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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for carries a torch (for)
falls for
Phrase
  • Watch On Aimless but charming Lloyd (John Cusack) falls for the ambitious Diane (Ione Skye) as the end of high school draws near in this hilarious but also poignant film.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The show follows Joanne (Kristen Bell), an agnostic Angeleno who hosts a dating podcast with her sister, who falls for a Jewish rabbi Noah (Adam Brody).
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Carries a torch (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/carries%20a%20torch%20%28for%29. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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