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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.

The unusual flurry of activity is due to the resurgence of the Hamptons luxury market, longtime owners selling their homes, and wealthy buyers’ desire to piece together bigger compounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The report also said it was "clearly evident" that the practice staff had a "genuine desire and commitment to help distressed children" facing long waits for specialist care.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Indonesia began enforcing its own social media ban for users under the age of 16 in March, while several European governments have announced their desire to make similar moves.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Bonta and LoPresti said that the building of an ICE facility in Gilroy signals a desire by the federal government to increase enforcement in the area.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

“It’s not this kind of club, to put it lightly. I have no desire to go back there.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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