Synonyms for

Desire

Verb / dɪˈzaɪɜ: / Another word for desire — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Desire means a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something to happen.

Synonyms & similar words

trust hope want craving longing yearning hankering wish want aspiration ambition goal dream appetite thirst urge inclination fancy passion lust obsession hunger need

Synonyms by register

Formal

aspiration longing yearning craving

Informal

want wish fancy urge

Literary

ardor zeal lust

Antonyms

dislike aversion indifference hatred loathing abstinence

Common collocations

  • strong desire
  • desire for
  • desire to
  • fulfill a desire
  • burning desire
  • mutual desire
  • childhood desire

Word family

noun desire
verb desire
adjective desirous

Usage note

While 'desire' can be used for strong wants, it can sometimes carry a more intense or even sexual connotation than 'want' or 'wish'. 'Desirous' is the adjective form.

Example sentences

  1. I have a strong desire to eat ice cream.
  2. His desire for a new bike was fulfilled on his birthday.
  3. She tried to suppress her desire to yawn during the meeting.
  4. The desire for success motivates me to work harder.
  5. My desire to travel the world is getting stronger every day.

Quotes

  • “Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.” – Napoleon Hill
  • “I desire the things that will destroy me in the end.” – Sylvia Plath
  • “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” – Napoleon Hill

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