as in craving
a strong wish for something
had a sudden yearning for something sweet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in crying
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of yearning
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Nostalgia can be defined as a sentimental yearning for the past, typically for a period or place with positive associations.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
This notion of yearning and desire and all-or-nothing, consuming passion has seemingly dwindled, with the fairy tale ending seemingly out of reach.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Nyong’o conveys the show’s deeper romantic yearning in one crucial scene, when Ali changes the script to let Viola sing to her beloved at dinner.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yearning
Verb
The star of Big Little Lies confessed her new film, Caught Stealing, kindles a powerful yearning for some aspects of the era.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Nostalgia can be defined as a sentimental yearning for the past, typically for a period or place with positive associations.
—Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
This notion of yearning and desire and all-or-nothing, consuming passion has seemingly dwindled, with the fairy tale ending seemingly out of reach.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Nyong’o conveys the show’s deeper romantic yearning in one crucial scene, when Ali changes the script to let Viola sing to her beloved at dinner.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for yearning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning
Noun
-
Who is to say that the longing wasn’t the most purposeful agent of that change?—
Rachel Kushner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The lyrics explored longing and disillusion, marking a thematic change for the band.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages.—
Michael Granberry,
Dallas News,
17 Jan. 2020
Noun
-
With options ranging from breakfast scones to showstopping cakes, Publix has every fall craving covered.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Amen pointed out that beta blockers do not cause cravings or withdrawals like other anti-anxiety medications.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The idea of an independent misconduct authority has been kicked around by the industry since the Noel Clarke scandal four years ago, but its existence has become more pressing amid a string of power abuse crises involving the likes of MasterChef presenter Wallace and ITV chef Gino D’Acampo.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
-
More pressing problems, consumer advocates say Consumer advocates said the Education Department’s efforts could pull resources needed to address more pressing problems, including fixes for millions of borrowers who are unable to access affordable repayment options.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Your creative abilities and desire for fun, games and enjoyment will all be enhanced, as well.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
-
And that simple desire — to play at home — is precisely why Enfield Town exists.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Tess Crowley—The Deseret News via AP This year the threat grew more insistent.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The Georgia firebrand, who has been insistent that the United States stay out of affairs abroad, has attempted similar amendments to both the NDAA and appropriations bills in past years and recently, with no success.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Resist the urge to rein them in.—
Liz Teran,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
When the urge to shop hits, swap it with something grounding—call a friend, reorganize, or track your savings—so the practice is easy to sustain.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
TeamSmile also launched a new pilot program to deliver essential dental care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), highlighting the urgent need for accessible treatment for these kids.—
Tammy Ljungblad,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This means distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, eliminating unnecessary metrics and communications, clarifying policies, and setting clear expectations.—
Kotter,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share