yearn

verb

ˈyərn 

yearned; yearning; yearns

intransitive verb

1

: to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly

yearns to make a difference

2

: to feel tenderness or compassion

yearner noun

yearningly

ˈyər-niŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• ache (for)
• covet
• crave
• desiderate
• desire
• die (for)
• hanker (for or after)
• hunger (for)
• itch (for)
• jones (for) [slang]
• long (for)
• lust (for or after)
• pant (after)
• pine (for)
• repine (for)
• salivate (for)
• sigh (for)
• thirst (for)
• want
• wish (for)
• yen (for)

Choose the Right Synonym for yearn

long, yearn, hanker, pine, hunger, thirst mean to have a strong desire for something.

long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain.

longed for some rest

yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing.

yearned for a stage career

hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire.

always hankering for money

pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible.

pined for a lost love

hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need.

hungered for a business of his own

thirsted for power

Examples of yearn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ben, a young widower and cantor at the local synagogue, finds a sense of purpose and unexpected connection when Carla, his septuagenarian elementary school music teacher who yearns to become a bat mitzvah, re-enters his life. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024

Some in Europe and the United States openly yearn for a more explicitly Christian political sphere. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024

Employees have long been yearning for more flexibility in the workplace. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 10 Apr. 2024

The official launch by No Labels in March offered hope to supporters who yearned for a different choice other than the presumptive nominees, incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. —Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2024

These are ideal for those seeking uncomplicated gameplay and attract both beginners exploring the casino landscape and seasoned players yearning for the charm of earlier gambling eras. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

But travelers yearning for a more laidback, bohemian vibe can now fly further south into Tulum’s brand-new Felipe Carrilo Puerto International Airport (TQO), which welcomed its first-ever international flights just last week. —Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2024

The couple that Taylor Swift fans yearned to see at Monday’s iHeartRadio Awards didn’t show, turning it into a disappointing night for Swifties. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2024

Following the Civil War, emancipated slaves yearned for land of their own. —Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English yernen, from Old English giernan; akin to Old High German gerōn to desire, Latin hortari to urge, encourage, Greek chairein to rejoice

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

yearn

verb

ˈyərn 

1

: to desire eagerly

2

: to feel tenderness or sympathy

yearner noun