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
Jeanne’s longing is pitiable, but its consequences are appalling. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026 Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty. — Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 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
  • In the wake of tragedy and separation, she is lost, wary of the immensity and opacity of her desire; anger crouches inside her, too, a fact that her divorce made mercilessly clear to her.
    — Jamie Hood, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
  • These papers have hosted the voices of those who have parsed out the details of how Newsom’s across-the-board commutations are legally suspect in various ways, and indeed argued that Newsom is undermining the desires of Californians.
    — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 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
  • Ladybird Taco started with a breakfast craving, a homemade tortilla and a chance encounter that changed everything.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • And, later, a midnight snack of lobster rolls, hot dogs, and pizzas certainly quashed any late-night cravings.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of craving
Adjective
  • Recent acquisitions include Richards River Camp in the Mara North Conservancy and a collection of properties in Rwanda, signaling ambitious growth beyond Kenya's borders.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Alongside such ambitious, long-term thinking, Biggs also needs to adopt an urgent, immediate approach to paying CPS’ bills right now.
    — David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of ambitious
Noun
  • Unfortunately, despite a clear thirst for more from fans, Peacock’s prequel series Ted won’t return for a season 3.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Bushby had a thirst for adventure, but his mission only came into focus when his father, Keith, sent him a birthday card in the mid-90s.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of thirst
Adjective
  • Following the restless night, the animals’ sleep windows lengthened while their total REM-like time jumped from roughly nine minutes to seventeen.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Netflix’s org chart might be in crisis, and its subscribers are growing increasingly restless about the awful cadence of content worth caring about.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of restless
Noun
  • This winter gives us a second chance at that childlike urge to make a statement.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But is that because dementia has robbed Leslie of the ability to modulate her urges?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • Staff told me that the same families return every August because their children are so obsessed with the Kids Club counselors.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Yet Before Hollywood became obsessed with Curry Barker, Markiplier opened the year in a submarine full of blood.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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