30 Other Words for “Wanting to do Something”

The English language is a rich tapestry woven with a multitude of words that convey nuanced emotions and desires. One such realm of expression revolves around the various ways we express the simple act of wanting to do something.

This article delves into 30 different words and phrases that go beyond the mundane “want” and capture the diverse shades of longing, enthusiasm, and ambition.

List of 30 Other Words for “Wanting to do Something”

• Eager
• Craving
• Desiring
• Longing
• Hankering
• Yearning
• Itching
• Aching
• Fervent
• Keen
• Aspiring
• Wishing
• Enthusiastic
• Yearning
• Anxious
• Impatient
• Hoped-for
• Itchy
• Coveting
• Ambitious
• Pining
• Seeking
• Thirsting
• Zealous
• Fain
• Wistful
• Craving
• Ardently
• Excitedly
• Inclined

1. Eager

To be eager is to be impatiently enthusiastic, driven by a strong desire to dive into a particular activity. Imagine a child on the night before their birthday, eyes wide with anticipation.

Example: The students were eager to start their science experiment, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the mysterious outcome.

2. Craving

A craving goes beyond a simple want; it’s an intense desire, often associated with a specific need or appetite. Think of the irresistible pull of your favorite comfort food.

Example: As she walked past the bakery, the craving for a freshly baked croissant became irresistible.

3. Desiring

To desire is to possess a heartfelt wish for something, indicating a profound longing or yearning. This word often implies a more emotional connection to the object of desire.

Example: The artist spent hours in the studio, desiring to capture the essence of a breathtaking sunset on canvas.

4. Longing

Longing embodies a deep, often melancholic desire for something unattainable or absent. It’s a poignant yearning, like the ache for a lost love or a distant home.

Example: Staring out of the window, he felt a profound longing for the simplicity of childhood.

5. Hankering

A hankering is a specific, sometimes whimsical desire for something. It suggests a craving for a particular experience or indulgence.

Example: With the summer heat rising, there was a hankering for a refreshing scoop of ice cream.

6. Yearning

Yearning is an intense, often wistful desire, signifying a deep and emotional longing. It’s the kind of longing that can keep you awake at night.

Example: The old diary was filled with entries expressing the protagonist’s yearning for adventure.

7. Itching

Feeling an itching desire implies an impulsive need to do something. It’s like an itch that must be scratched immediately.

Example: The adventurer felt an itching need to explore the uncharted territories.

8. Aching

To have an aching desire is to experience a persistent and almost painful longing for something. It’s a desire that tugs at the heart.

Example: The love ballad resonated with those who had an aching desire for a lost connection.

9. Fervent

A fervent desire is marked by intense passion and enthusiasm. It’s the kind of desire that fuels dedication and hard work.

Example: The scientist had a fervent desire to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.

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10. Keen

Being keen to do something reflects a genuine and eager interest. It suggests a readiness to dive into an activity with enthusiasm.

Example: She was always keen to learn new skills, embracing challenges with a positive spirit.

11. Aspiring

To be aspiring is to have ambitious goals and a strong desire to achieve them. It’s about reaching for something beyond the ordinary.

Example: The young musician was aspiring to compose a symphony that would touch people’s souls.

12. Wishing

Wishing is a whimsical desire often associated with hopes and dreams. It’s a softer, more contemplative form of wanting.

Example: On every birthday, she would blow out the candles, silently wishing for a brighter future.

13. Enthusiastic

Being enthusiastic about something implies a genuine and contagious excitement. It’s an outward expression of positive desire.

Example: The crowd was enthusiastic about the upcoming concert, eagerly counting down the days.

14. Anxious

While often associated with worry, anxious also signifies a strong desire for a particular outcome. It’s a desire tinged with anticipation.

Example: The team was anxious to see the results of their hard work and dedication.

15. Impatient

Impatient desire is characterized by a lack of tolerance for delays. It’s wanting something so much that waiting becomes a challenge.

Example: The child was impatient to open the presents, his excitement bubbling over.

16. Hoped-for

A hoped-for desire is one that is anticipated with optimism. It carries an element of expectation and positive anticipation.

Example: The team held their breath, waiting for the realization of their hoped-for victory.

17. Itchy

Similar to itching, feeling itchy about something suggests an immediate need to act on a desire. It’s an almost irresistible urge.

Example: The detective felt an itchy sense of curiosity about the unsolved case.

18. Coveting

Coveting is a strong and often possessive desire for something that belongs to someone else. It implies a sense of envy or longing.

Example: She couldn’t help coveting her friend’s collection of vintage books.

19. Ambitious

Being ambitious signifies a strong desire to achieve success or reach lofty goals. It’s a driving force that propels individuals toward greatness.

Example: The entrepreneur was ambitious in building a company that would make a lasting impact.

20. Pining

Pining conveys a deep and often melancholic desire for someone or something that is lost or unattainable. It’s a yearning tinged with sadness.

Example: The protagonist spent sleepless nights pining for a love that had slipped away.

21. Seeking

To be seeking implies an active and purposeful pursuit of a particular goal or experience. It’s about actively searching for fulfillment.

Example: The explorer was always seeking new horizons, driven by an insatiable curiosity.

22. Thirsting

Feeling thirsting desire suggests a strong and unquenchable need for something. It’s a metaphorical thirst that demands satisfaction.

Example: The artist had a thirsting desire to capture the vibrant colors of the sunset in her painting.

23. Zealous

A zealous desire is marked by ardent passion and fervor. It’s the kind of desire that drives individuals to go above and beyond.

Example: The volunteer was zealous in her commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

24. Fain

Fain expresses a willing and eager desire to do something. It’s an archaic term that conveys a sense of readiness and willingness.

Example: He was fain to accept the challenging assignment, eager to prove his capabilities.

25. Wistful

Wistful desire is tinged with a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. It’s a reflective and often bittersweet form of wanting.

Example: Watching the old photographs made her feel wistful for the carefree days of her youth.

26. Craving

A second encounter with craving emphasizes the intensity and recurrent nature of a specific desire. It’s not just a passing whim but a persistent need.

Example: The writer had an insatiable craving for inspiration, constantly seeking new ideas.

27. Ardently

To desire ardently is to do so with intense passion and commitment. It’s a word that conveys a burning and unwavering fervor.

Example: The activist ardently pursued justice, dedicating her life to the cause.

28. Excitedly

Expressing a desire excitedly adds an element of enthusiasm and anticipation. It’s the joyous aspect of wanting, coupled with positive energy.

Example: The children waited excitedly for the amusement park gates to open.

29. Inclined

Feeling inclined towards something suggests a subtle but definite leaning or preference. It’s a desire that stems from a natural inclination.

Example: She was inclined towards a minimalist lifestyle, desiring simplicity over excess.

30. Conclusion

In the vast landscape of the English language, the ways to express the desire to do something are as diverse as the desires themselves. From the gentle wishing to the intense craving, each word carries its own unique flavor, adding depth and nuance to our expressions.

So, the next time you find yourself simply wanting to do something, consider the myriad of words at your disposal to articulate the true essence of your desires.