desire crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "desire", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "desire crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WANT: A common and straightforward synonym for desire, indicating a basic wish or need for something.
WISH: Often implies a hopeful longing or a desire for something to happen or be true.
LONG: To have a strong, often persistent, yearning for something, particularly if it's absent or far away.
5 Letters
CRAVE: To feel a powerful, often urgent, desire for something, frequently associated with food or addiction.
YEARN: To have an intense feeling of longing for something, often with an emotional undertone.
COVET: To ardently wish to possess something, especially something belonging to another person.
10 Letters
ASPIRATION: A strong hope, ambition, or goal to achieve something significant.
More About "desire crossword clue"
The clue "desire" is a classic in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms and subtle shades of meaning. From a simple 'want' to an intense 'crave' or an envious 'covet', the word can lead to many different answers depending on the context, letter count, and the specific nuance the crossword setter intends. Understanding these variations is key to successfully solving puzzles featuring this clue.
Often, a crossword setter will provide additional context within the clue to guide you. For example, "Strong desire" might point towards 'CRAVE' or 'YEARN', while "Envious desire" would strongly suggest 'COVET'. Pay attention not just to the core meaning of 'desire' but also to any adjectives or adverbs accompanying it, as these are crucial hints.
Furthermore, 'desire' can sometimes appear in a noun form (e.g., 'a strong desire') or a verb form (e.g., 'to desire something'). While most answers provided here can function as both, a keen eye on the clue's grammar can sometimes eliminate certain possibilities, especially for longer, more complex answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by noting the exact number of letters the answer requires. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly for a common clue like "desire."
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters revealed by crossing answers. Even one confirmed letter can often eliminate many potential solutions and confirm the correct word for "desire."
- Consider Nuance: Think about the intensity or specific type of desire the clue implies. Is it a gentle wish, a strong yearning, or an envious longing? This can help distinguish between similar-length synonyms.
- Look for Common Roots: Sometimes, knowing common prefixes or suffixes related to words of emotion can give you an edge, even if not directly applicable to "desire" itself, it can help with other related clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'desire'?
The word 'desire' is a broad term with many synonyms that express different nuances of wanting or longing. Crossword setters often use these synonyms to fit specific letter counts or to create more challenging clues. From a simple 'want' to a more intense 'crave' or 'yearn', the specific context of the puzzle's theme or other crossing letters will often narrow down the correct solution.
How do I choose the correct 'desire' answer in a crossword?
To select the right answer, first look at the number of letters required. Then, check for any intersecting letters from other clues. The specific phrasing of the clue itself (e.g., 'intense desire' versus 'simple desire') can also provide hints. Additionally, consider the crossword's theme or the setter's typical style, as these can sometimes suggest a particular type of vocabulary.
What's the difference between 'wish' and 'crave' in crosswords?
'Wish' generally implies a mild or hopeful desire for something, often something that might not be easily attainable. For example, 'I wish it would rain.' 'Crave,' on the other hand, suggests a much stronger, often urgent, and sometimes physical need or longing, frequently associated with food or a habit. For instance, 'I crave chocolate.' In crosswords, 'crave' would indicate a more intense 'desire' than 'wish'.