desire crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "desire" crossword clue? You've come to the right place! We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore common synonyms for desire, complete with brief explanations.
Solutions for "desire crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WISH: A strong feeling of wanting something to happen or be true.
WANT: To have a strong wish for something.
LONG: To have a strong wish for something, often that is difficult to attain.
HOPE: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
5 Letters
CRAVE: To feel a powerful desire for something.
YEARN: To have an intense feeling of longing for something.
GREED: Intense and selfish desire for something, often wealth or power.
6 Letters
HUNGER: A strong desire or craving for something (e.g., for power, knowledge).
THIRST: A strong desire for something, similar to hunger, often for success or knowledge.
7 Letters
AVARICE: Extreme greed for wealth or material gain, a strong desire for more.
8 Letters
COVETING: The act of desiring something belonging to another, often with a hint of envy.
10 Letters
ASPIRATION: A hope or ambition of achieving something; a strong desire to achieve.
More About "desire crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "desire" is a classic in the world of crosswords, appearing in various forms across different puzzle types and difficulties. Its versatility stems from the sheer number of synonyms and related concepts it encompasses. From simple wants to deep yearnings and even negative connotations like greed, the word 'desire' can lead to a wide range of answers depending on the constructor's intent and the puzzle's theme.
Understanding the subtle nuances between synonyms like 'wish,' 'want,' 'crave,' and 'yearn' is key to solving these clues. While all relate to a longing, 'crave' suggests a more intense, almost addictive need, whereas 'wish' can be a gentler, more aspirational hope. Paying attention to the specific wording in the clue (e.g., 'intense desire' vs. 'simple desire') can often guide you to the correct answer. The letter count, as always, remains your most critical filter.
Furthermore, 'desire' can sometimes be clued in a more abstract sense, referring to a general drive or ambition rather than a specific object of longing. This is where answers like ASPIRATION come into play. Always consider the possibility of verb forms (e.g., LONG, CRAVE) versus noun forms (e.g., WISH, GREED) depending on the clue's grammatical structure, even if the clue itself is a noun.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme. Is there a consistent tone? A historical context? This can help differentiate between similar synonyms.
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, use the number of boxes provided. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and is your most powerful tool.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For abstract clues like 'desire,' brainstorm as many synonyms as possible. Sometimes, clues are phrased as opposites, so consider antonyms too.
- Look for Common Crossword Fillers: Certain words appear more frequently due to their letter patterns. Over time, you'll recognize these common answers for common clues.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Helper: If you're truly stuck, an online crossword solver or dictionary can provide a nudge without revealing the entire solution, helping you learn for next time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "desire" in crosswords?
The term 'desire' is highly versatile and can imply various shades of meaning, from a simple want to an intense longing or a specific craving. This broad semantic range allows puzzle constructors to use many synonyms, making it a common but varied clue in crosswords.
How can I narrow down the options for 'desire' clues?
To narrow down answers for 'desire', consider the number of letters, any intersecting letters from other clues, and the specific context of the puzzle. Is it a negative desire (like greed)? A strong one (like crave)? Or a simple one (like want)? The tone and surrounding clues often provide hints.
What's the difference between "wish" and "want" in crossword contexts?
While 'wish' and 'want' both imply a desire, 'wish' often suggests a desire for something less attainable or more idealistic, or for something to be true that isn't. 'Want' typically refers to a more direct, often tangible, desire. In crosswords, they are frequently interchangeable depending on letter count and context.