HANKERING Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

hankering 1 of 2

noun

as in craving

a strong wish for something I've had a hankering for pizza with anchovies all afternoon

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hankering

2 of 2

adjective

as in longing

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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 hankering

Noun

Orange dream freeze at Your 3rd Spot A little sweet and a little sassy, the orange dream freeze satisfies a hankering for a cocktail and a dessert. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 21 June 2026 Though the bolt had an apparent hankering for coconuts and avoided a direct hit through my scalp, the current traveled through the earth, zapped my feet, and sent me jumping into the air and, ultimately, to the emergency room. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 If your hankering is for Chinese, then pop into bustling Taipei Express for a cheap and cheerful Sa Cha Chicken lunch combo. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026 This piece combines a supporting character palette with a leading lady frame to make something perfect for those who have a hankering to whitewash but know better. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026 That’s the bit missing these days, and that’s why there’s a hankering for what some people call the West Ham Way. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 And for the kids who get a hankering to try the sport/lifestyle, consider a learn-to camp. — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 And if fig is the focus but a cake isn’t calling your name, try one of these fresh and flavorful fig recipes to satisfy any sudden hankering. — Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025 For those with a hankering for farm-to-table cuisine, Handle’s menu of fresh, simple dishes will satiate the craving. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hankering

Noun

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
This no-bake recipe uses cornflakes, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

— Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of craving

Noun

The idea remains fan speculation rather than reported fact, but her announcement history makes the urge to investigate understandable.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
Spontaneous and slightly chaotic, this cerebral synergy can bring surprising news or perhaps even trigger the sudden urge to break out of a stagnant situation.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of urge

Adjective

The last person who admitted a mistake or proposed something uncertain and ambitious.

— Daniela Landherr, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their beliefs — and their most ambitious heist yet.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 July 2026

Definition of ambitious

Noun

But no, instead he is forced to bro out with all the guys, worst of which is Charlie, whom Brooks understandably has zero desire to spend any time with whatsoever.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
The bonus of birding For many birders, a growing appreciation for birds naturally leads to a desire to protect them.

— Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of desire

Adjective

Starring Elordi and Barry Keoghan, Fennell’s dark comedy about class resentment and covetous destruction was sold on the promise of erotic excess.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
For most players, that amount of storage is realistically enough for all but the most covetous data hoarders.

— Matt Kamen, Wired News, 3 Aug. 2025

Definition of covetous

Noun

While the dogs/chips/ice cream might still ring true, my thirst-quencher of choice has evolved.

— Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026
If your skin needs a hydration boost, reach for the brand's Hyaluronic Moisture formula with hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom to quench its thirst.

— Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026