longing 1 of 3

noun

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
Definition of longingnext
as in desire
a strong wish for something by four o'clock in the afternoon, I usually experience a strong longing for chocolate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

longing

2 of 3

adjective

as in pining

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

longing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of long
as in yearning

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 longing
Noun
Love, longing, humor and nostalgia tell the story in gorgeously sung compositions. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 Carmy’s passion for cooking, along with his longing to be number one, aligns him with the sign of the ram. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Adjective
Werther, in his self-delusion, embodies another Goethean type, the longing man—ordinary, but convinced of the extraordinariness of his feelings. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for longing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for longing
  1. desire
  2. covetous
  3. craving
  4. ambitious
  5. thirst
  6. restless
  7. urge
  8. obsessed
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
  • Guests can also satisfy their sushi cravings at Miso Phat, located beside Kihei Caffe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • From gorgeous cakes to fruity popsicles, these blueberry dessert recipes will satisfy your sweet cravings.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
Definition of craving
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
  • Independent filmmakers don’t have enough money to create thirst from ads.
    — Daren Smith, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Kombucha fans can quench their thirst at the Farmacy on Main’s unique kombucha bar.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
Definition of thirst
Adjective
  • The London trio updates the naive humanism of 2000s indie-folk with modern dread and restless experimentation on its ambitious full-length debut.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026
  • Her book is a panoramic, abundantly detailed history of a century of turmoil and restless migratory movements gravitating around El Paso.
    — Julia Preston, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of restless
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
  • Maher concluded his acceptance by noting that he’s never been too obsessed with collecting awards hardware.
    — Paul Harris, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • Beyond its cult favorite status elsewhere, our shopping team remains collectively obsessed.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026
Definition of obsessed

Browse Nearby Words

long hauls
longing
longing (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/longing. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on longing

Nglish: Translation of longing for Spanish Speakers

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