as in craving
a strong wish for something
had a sudden yearning for something sweet
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as in crying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of yearning
Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 2 July 2025
As injuries mounted up, the more formulaic Arsenal became, and the yearning for someone more expressive grew.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 July 2025
The ’90s really are back—and so is my endless yearning for a summer pixie cut.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 June 2025
The yearning’s the point: The Six Bells is old-fashioned and kitschy and kind of absurd, because those things build a foundation for escapism.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for yearning
Verb
Sleek photographs of cabins are less obviously politically charged than raw milk and the return of measles, but both share the same seductive appeal, the aesthetic of yearning: an escape from late capitalism’s ceaseless demands of labor and attention.
—Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 2 July 2025
As injuries mounted up, the more formulaic Arsenal became, and the yearning for someone more expressive grew.
—Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 July 2025
The ’90s really are back—and so is my endless yearning for a summer pixie cut.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 June 2025
The yearning’s the point: The Six Bells is old-fashioned and kitschy and kind of absurd, because those things build a foundation for escapism.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for yearning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning
Noun
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With this new creation, Liu turns our gaze back to earth, exploring the existential solitude and quiet observation of these aging machines as metaphors for diasporic longing, technological obsolescence and the search for connection and purpose.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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The characters become avatars for our own longing, heartbreak, hopefulness and grief ...—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Noun
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The Candy Bar, next door to Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, will fix any craving for a sweet beach treat.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
25 July 2025
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Sleep deprivation is also associated with disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin), which often increases cravings for sugary, nutrient-poor foods.12 2.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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But a more pressing fear might be that in the shadow of AI, human beings are preparing their own obsolescence in advance, producing and consuming more and more creative work that seems algorithmic rather than inspired, accepting in blockbuster movies and ...—
Ross Douthat,
National Review,
24 July 2025
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Beyond environmental issues, the loss of local control is the most pressing concern for coastal cities.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Zuckerberg’s drive to get ahead on AI may be rooted in part in his desire to own a foundational platform for the next major technology wave.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
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Lawrence previously opened up about his desire to make an A.I. version of Williams’ voice while speaking with EW last April.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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The watch flashes a seven, an insistent chirp accompanying the number.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
22 July 2025
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Many of them are insistent the PA should play a role in governing Gaza, which Israel has opposed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Deep listening is the discipline of being fully present with another person—suspending judgment, setting aside distractions, and resisting the urge to formulate a response.—
Tima Bansal,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
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At a low point, Stevie decided to transform her suicidal urges into homicidal ones.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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Sutton added that with higher participation in an opt-in system, emergency managers could use that channel for less urgent alerts and conserve IPAWS alerts for the most high-risk situations.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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For many who’ve been on the ground preventing violence in their communities, the debate at the Capitol feels urgent.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
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Cooper Flagg’s work ethic does not specifically come from a thirst from within, a drive to be the best.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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