Find Synonyms

desire Synonyms

Another word for desire

Choosing another word for desire depends on context, so the 21 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.

Usage Example

"She expressed a deep wish to travel around the world after graduating from university."

Strongest
wish
longing
yearning
Strong
craving
aspiration
urge
hankering
inclination

• verb (Context 2)

To strongly wish for or want something.

Usage Example

"The committee desires a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute before the end of the month."

Strongest
want
wish
crave
Strong
covet
yearn
long
fancy

• noun (Context 3)

Strong romantic or sexual attraction and appetite.

Usage Example

"The novel explores themes of forbidden passion and unspoken romantic passion."

Strongest
passion
lust
Strong
ardor
infatuation

• noun (Context 4)

Something or someone that is strongly wanted or wished for.

Usage Example

"After years of hard work, achieving financial independence was finally within reach of his heart's goal."

Strong
goal
ambition
objective

• verb (Context 5)

To feel a strong romantic or sexual attraction toward someone.

Usage Example

"In the play, the protagonist secretly desires someone who is promised to another."

Strong
fancy

Opposites of desire

The opposite of desire shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

aversion
detest
loathe
repulsion
abhor
revulsion
repugnance
indifference
See all opposites of desire

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Desire. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/desire
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.