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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:

When she addressed the media for the first time on Thursday, the Spaniard promised brave, attacking football and a desire to dominate possession.

From BBC Sep. 4, 2026

George Joseph came of age during the Great Depression, a calamity that left with him with a stated desire to always have plenty of work to do.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 4, 2026

The desire to escape the airport terminal in an exclusive oasis has been an enduring travel trend.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

If a client wants to buy, he tries to understand what’s motivating the desire.

From MarketWatch Sep. 2, 2026

I shall never covet or desire another’s marvel.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

The two bills would bar lawyers from prioritizing the desires of private investors who fund lawsuits, and ramp up penalties for lawyers who scout for clients at hospitals, jails and accident sites.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 27, 2026

As James notes, "Our actions feel like they are caused by decisions based on desires, beliefs, and intentions."

From Science Daily Aug. 25, 2026

Marvell Technology reports earnings this week but Wall Street desires more details on a recently announced agreement with Google.

From Barron's Aug. 24, 2026

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

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream,” said the alchemist, echoing the words of the old king.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

The desired outcome is a more naturally filled out look.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 4, 2026

McGuigan added; "We need reform, but it must be properly funded, planned on a whole-system basis and undertaken with the best for patient outcomes, regardless of where they live, as the desired outcome."

From BBC Sep. 3, 2026

Ahmed said the decision should reflect the worker’s income, age, desired savings, plan expenses and tolerance for paperwork.

From MarketWatch Sep. 2, 2026

The frequencies from the BioCharger’s three coils and light from the tubes are said to penetrate the user’s cell walls to balance their cellular makeup, creating relaxation, clarity and, ultimately, fulfilling the user’s desired “recipe.”

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 2, 2026

For he desired in his soul, with fear and trembling, all the glories that his mother prayed he should find.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

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

The chronicler Froissart records that both sides saw clearly the Bohemian was at fault, but the French, not desiring to provoke the English during a lull in the Hundred Years’ War, grudgingly excused his behavior.

From Salon Aug. 10, 2024

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

From New York Times Apr. 1, 2024

In spite of this amendment, however, she requested to have a note sent to Longbourn, desiring her mother to visit Jane, and form her own judgment of her situation.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen




Vocabulary lists containing desire


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