lust
14 synonyms and 4 antonyms for lust, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong feeling of desire, especially sexual desire.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lust
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lust ("desire, pleasure"), a Germanic word related to Dutch lust and German Lust, ultimately from a root meaning simply "pleasure."
Full origin of lust →Frequently asked questions
Is lust always used in a negative sense?
Lust often carries a negative or cautionary tone, especially in moral or religious contexts where it is treated as an excessive or uncontrolled desire. In casual modern usage, however, it can be used more lightly, such as 'lusting after' a new gadget.