CARRIES A TORCH (FOR) Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

carries a torch (for)

phrase

variants or carries the torch (for)

present tense third-person singular of carry a torch (for)

as in loves

to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for She still carries a torch for her husband after over 30 years of marriage.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for carries a torch (for)

falls for

Phrase

Power and Daniel Sweren-Becker wrote the script, which follows a struggling tennis phenom who falls for a charismatic local ball boy at the US Open.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 13 July 2026
The 2004 comedy focused on Matthew Kidman (Hirsch), a high school senior who falls for Danielle (Cuthbert), the attractive young woman who moves in next door.

— Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

Definition of falls for

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.

Browse Nearby Words

carries

carries a torch (for)

carries away

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Carries a torch (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/carries%20a%20torch%20%28for%29. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of carries a torch (for)

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dog days

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes