LUST Meaning, Definition & Synonym: NYT Connections Answer
LUST – Meaning & Definition
Learn LUST meaning, LUST definition, and a key synonym like hanker. See why LUST appeared in NYT Connections and get examples, origin, and Scrabble tips.
What Does "LUST" Mean? The Complete Lust Definition
The meaning of LUST is a strong desire or craving, especially for something intensely wanted. The LUST definition most people know today is the noun sense: a powerful longing, appetite, or yearning. In older or more literary usage, it can also mean a desire for pleasure or sexual attraction, depending on context. As a verb, to lust means to desire something intensely, often with a sense of craving or envy. It can also appear in older usage as an adjective in related forms, though that is uncommon in modern English.
If you are asking what does LUST mean, the answer depends on context, but the core idea is always strong desire. The word LUST used in English can sound intense, emotional, or even negative, which is why it is easy to miss in word games. Its LUST origin traces back to Old English lust, meaning desire, pleasure, or appetite, which connects to its long history of expressing want or craving.
Lust Synonyms: Words Similar to LUST
Synonyms for LUST include words that range from mild wanting to intense craving, depending on the situation.
Hanker — A strong craving or persistent desire, often the closest match to the NYT Connections theme.
Long — Suggests deep wanting, but usually feels softer and more emotional than lust.
Thirst — Can mean a strong desire, especially in slang or figurative English.
Yearn — Implies an emotional, heartfelt longing rather than physical desire.
Crave — Focuses on an urgent need or appetite, often for food, attention, or success.
Desire — The broadest synonym, usable in formal and everyday settings.
Appetite — More literal or figurative, depending on whether the craving is for food or something else.
How to Use "LUST" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are some clear examples of LUST in a sentence to show different contexts.
He felt lust for success and worked nonstop to achieve his goals.
In the novel, the character lusts after fame as much as money.
The poem describes lust as a powerful force that can overwhelm reason.
Their conversation used the word in its older sense of intense desire, not just romantic attraction.
LUST in NYT Connections #1104 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1104 on 2026-04-03, LUST appeared in the Green category, the hardest group, titled “HANKER (FOR)”. The other words were JONES, LONG, and THIRST, all of which can mean to crave or strongly desire something. That is why LUST meaning in word games can be tricky: the word is familiar, but the intended clue is not the modern romantic sense. If you were wondering what does LUST mean in NYT Connections, the answer is “to strongly desire,” which explains the grouping. This kind of puzzle is hard because the theme is subtle and easy to confuse with more common meanings.
Lust Word Origin and Etymology
The LUST definition has changed over time, but the word itself is very old. LUST origin comes from Old English lust, which meant desire, pleasure, delight, or appetite. It is related to Germanic roots and appears in older English texts with a much broader meaning than today’s more negative or sexual associations. In early English, it could describe any strong want, including a desire to do something or experience something pleasurable.
Over centuries, the meaning narrowed in many modern uses. Today, LUST meaning often centers on intense desire, especially sexual desire, though it still survives in literary, religious, and figurative language as a general craving. That evolution is why the word can feel surprising in puzzles and why LUST used in English may sound more formal or dramatic than everyday alternatives like want or crave.
Frequently Asked Questions About "LUST"
What does LUST mean? (Quick Answer)
The word LUST means a strong desire or craving, especially intense longing. In modern English, it can refer to sexual desire, but it also works more broadly as a powerful urge.
Is "LUST" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes. LUST is a valid Scrabble word worth 4 points. It’s useful because it’s short, common, and easy to build around with suffixes or extensions in word games.
What is the best synonym for LUST?
The best LUST synonym depends on context: hanker works best for craving something, while desire is the most general match. In NYT-style clue solving, long and thirst are also excellent parallels.
How do you pronounce LUST?
LUST is pronounced LUST — one syllable, with stress on the only syllable.
Is LUST used in everyday English?
Yes, but it is more common in formal, literary, emotional, or sensual contexts than in casual conversation. Someone might use it when talking about strong desire, a poem, or a dramatic storyline.
