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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.

See Examples For:

Now 66, Benitez says he is "waiting for another challenge", adding that his passion for the game is undiminished, as is his desire to "improve teams and players".

From BBC Aug. 24, 2026

“I’ve heard the questions and concerns. I’ve heard the desire to see Brown-Forman regain momentum, and those conversations matter,” Farrer said.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 23, 2026

Bessent’s action shows a desire by the Treasury Department to have greater control over market pricing.

From MarketWatch Aug. 21, 2026

Perhaps I’m protective of that difference because, of course, companies have always tried to stoke and steer desire.

From Salon Aug. 20, 2026

Birdie and Mae left such things up to me, and I had no desire to spend time indoors with others when I could be roaming the hills on my own.

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate

But such great champions are, of course, born competitors who have insatiable desires to win matches - and Grand Slam trophies.

From BBC Aug. 22, 2026

This may point to a mismatch where graduates aren’t building experience in the industries suited to their skills or desires.

From MarketWatch Aug. 4, 2026

Man’s eternal anguish about understanding his gods’ desires provides a solemn core.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 15, 2026

With those pillars cemented, Pelinka’s job is delivering the A-list center Doncic reportedly desires.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 28, 2026

I recall this day for the sake of Mr. Gitney, at that time called 03-01, as an homage to his desires for a world that cannot be.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Customers can appeal those decisions or share more information with OpenAI if desired.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 19, 2026

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and season with flaky salt while still warm, if desired.

From Salon Aug. 16, 2026

But that was us imposing our desired arc, which we all know doesn’t work.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 13, 2026

The findings could therefore provide a foundation for making deep brain stimulation more precisely tailored to an individual patient's brain network, particularly when existing DBS settings do not provide the desired level of symptom relief.

From Science Daily Aug. 12, 2026

Elton’s absence just at this time was the very thing to be desired.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Huckabee reportedly told embassy staff in an email there was "no need to panic, but for those desiring to leave, it's important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later".

From BBC Feb. 27, 2026

The motivations for septuagenarian entrepreneurs include desiring autonomy, pursuing meaningful projects and addressing societal needs.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 2, 2025

“Being pregnant, desiring pregnancy, and parenting your children does not absolve you from being at risk of criminalization,” Perritt told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon Oct. 3, 2024

She had a predilection for painting women as modern, urban, desiring.

From New York Times Apr. 1, 2024

“You needn’t, sir,” said I, desiring no conversation.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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