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Showing results for desire. Search instead for de-sire.
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

But artists with a desire for riches and fame must not declare their intentions so brazenly.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 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

It allowed them to think their way through rather than triumph through fitness and desire.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Camille opens her mouth, probably to mention her recent desire to become a vegetarian, then closes it.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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