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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.

Energy-rich Turkmenistan, one of the world's most reclusive and sealed-off states, has stated its desire to diversify its exports towards Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Andrew, 37, doesn’t even recall trying to claim it, but said he had a desire to come out of the divorce feeling like he had won.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

“There’s a strong desire to bring valuation cases,” Rozenblit said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

"In whatever we do, that is going to elevate us to be better, to drive us to be better. To have more hunger and desire to do it than in a negative way."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Many people who haven’t been formally educated awaken later in life with a desire to progress and deepen their view of the world, to go back to school or self-educate themselves.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady




Vocabulary lists containing desire