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

Families also can choose from five diverse restaurants, while stations for broths and ice cream satisfy other cravings.

— Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026
His research now reveals revenge operates like an addiction in the brain, activating craving and reward centers while silencing rational thought.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of craving

Adjective

Gianni Infantino has built his presidency on an ability to push through ambitious —and often controversial — changes despite widespread resistance.

— Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The Sacramento Bee covered a range of news on July 31, from a downtown bar’s ambitious makeover to the governor’s tax disclosure.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of ambitious

Noun

In the Public Employment Relations Board filing, SEIU Local 1000 shared its desire to make suggestions on AI and technology that could affect employment matters, such as pay, productivity expectations, schedules and working conditions.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
His three-day sentencing hearing featured emotional victim impact statements, tapes of his confessions to police and insights into his twisted desire for infamy and obsession with school shooters.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 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

Staying hydrated is especially important since GLP-1 medications can reduce thirst for some people, and travel itself — especially flying, hot weather, or long sightseeing days — may already increase the risk of dehydration.

— Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Vuskovic’s thirst to improve is accompanied by a temperament to deal with setbacks, indicating a maturity beyond his years.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of thirst

Adjective

Although my daughter became obsessed with Full House years ago, her experience was radically different from mine.

— Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026
In addition to these skincare classics, CVS also carries the beauty tools we’re all obsessed with, from gua sha stones to red light therapy devices.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026