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Definitions

desire

[dih-zahyuhr] / dɪˈzaɪər /




VERB
ask, request
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONG
WEAK
not want


Usage

What are other ways to say desire? Desire, a formal verb, suggests a strong wish: They desire liberation. Wish implies the feeling of an impulse toward attainment or possession of something; the strength of the feeling may be of greater or lesser intensity: I wish I could go home. Want, usually colloquial in use, suggests a feeling of lack or need that imperatively demands fulfillment: People all over the world want peace.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s also born from a desire on the state’s part to collect as many people’s lawful votes as possible.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Leaders’ visions of a once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity collide with longtime residents’ desire to hold on to their quiet way of life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Williams' return is fuelled by a desire for her two young daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian to see her in a competitive environment before she finally hangs up her racquet for good.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Joel had no desire to come to the United States.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Dasch vehemently denied that a fear of getting caught and a desire to save his own life played any role in destroying Hitler's secret attack on America.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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