Synonyms for Desire
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: Finding another word for desire helps you express exactly how strongly you feel about something. Whether you need a formal term for a business proposal or a casual phrase for a text message, there is a perfect synonym for desire to fit your context. This list groups options by tone and intensity.
Closest Synonyms for Desire
- wish
- A general longing for something, like wishing for good weather.
- crave
- An intense, almost physical need, such as craving chocolate.
- long for
- To yearn for something far away, like longing for home.
- yearn
- A deep, emotional longing often for the past or distant places.
- longing
- The feeling of missing something, like a constant longing for peace.
- covet
- To desire something someone else has, often with envy.
- aspire
- To aim high for a goal, like aspiring to become an artist.
- hanker
- To have a strong desire for something specific, like hankering for ice cream.
- hunger
- To feel a sharp need, similar to physical hunger but for things.
- covetousness
- The state of wanting things you do not possess, often greedily.
- hankering
- A strong, often temporary desire for something specific.
- want
- A simple expression of needing something, like wanting a toy.
Formal Synonyms for Desire
- yearning
- A deep and formal longing, suitable for literary contexts.
- craving
- A formal way to describe a strong need or appetite.
- aspiration
- A formal term for a lofty goal or ambition.
- ambition
- A formal desire to achieve something significant.
- eagerness
- A formal state of being keen to do or have something.
- inclination
- a gentle or natural tendency to prefer something, like an inclination toward quiet places
- intent
- a firm plan to achieve a specific goal, showing intent to succeed in business
- longed-for
- something that is intensely desired over time, representing a longed-for vacation
- inclined
- having a natural tendency or desire in a certain direction, being inclined to help
Informal Synonyms for Desire
- need
- A simple, everyday way to say you want something.
- eager
- An informal adjective describing a strong desire to act.
- be after
- to want to obtain something, like being after a promotion
- be keen on
- to have a strong liking for something, such as being keen on art
- feel for
- to have a sympathy or desire for someone else, such as feeling for a sad friend
- be set on
- to be determined to have something, like being set on winning the game
- be hankering
- to have a persistent and often secret desire, such as hankering for a treat
Antonyms for Desire
- dislike
- loathe
- avoid
- shun
- reject
- detest
- fear
- abhor
- hate
- averse
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choosing the correct synonym depends on the intensity of your feeling and the context of your sentence. Use words like want or wish for casual situations, but switch to yearn or aspire when you need to express deep emotion or high ambition. Avoid using strong words like crave or covet unless the desire is truly overwhelming or involves jealousy, as this can change the tone of your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between desire and wish?
Desire usually implies a stronger, more active need than wish, which is often more passive or hypothetical. You might wish for a vacation without planning it, but you desire a vacation enough to start saving money.
Can desire be used for objects?
Yes, desire can refer to wanting physical objects, but it often carries a weight of obsession or strong longing. Words like crave or covet are better for specific items, while desire works well for general goals or outcomes.
Is hanker a common word?
Hanker is less common than words like want or wish, so it adds a unique flavor to your writing. It suggests a specific craving for something, often used in phrases like hanker after or hanker for.
What are some formal alternatives for desire?
For formal writing, use words like aspiration, ambition, or yearning instead of desire. These terms convey a sense of purpose or deep emotion that fits professional or academic contexts better than the broader word desire.
