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
Collaborative Latin duo provides a mix of electronic and indie-folk songs that explore longing and love. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Over time, his desire to pursue his life’s work became inseparable from a larger longing for personal freedom. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 28 Aug. 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
  • Her work in this area could be rewarded in Europe, where there is growing frustration with the United States as a reliable partner in space and a desire to have independent access to orbit for European astronauts.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • While Smith was on the IL, backup catcher Dalton Rushing was thrown into the starting role, learning how to balance the defensive responsibility of serving as the main backstop at the major-league level with a desire to also contribute offensively.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 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
  • Latter-day stars politely shrug off the comparisons; fans are chastened by having witnessed how fame — and a craving for control — undid their favorite performer.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Front-loading protein supports satiety, curbs cravings and stabilizes blood sugar, nutritionists say.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of craving
Adjective
  • Officials called the dedication the first step in an ambitious process to improve the Tennessee airport near Parton’s final resting place.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The staff’s efforts hit an impasse just as the office romance between Ned (Domhnall Gleeson), the paper’s by-the-book editor in chief, and Mare (Chelsea Frei), one of the few competent and ambitious reporters on staff, becomes a stress point.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of ambitious
Noun
  • This short, high-spirited tall tale careens through an all-Black Oklahoma town bursting with gossip, humor and a thirst for justice.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Anecdotally, gardeners find that thirst drives this behavior.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of thirst
Adjective
  • Two males and one female, the cubs were restless during Tuesday’s vaccination.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The dog was restless without his owner, and would look for men who resembled Vela Gonzalez on every walk, Cabrera said.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of restless
Noun
  • But almost immediately, so, too, was the duo’s urge to get back to work.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • After years staying in her home state during the pandemic, Hagerman has resisted the urge to upsize her house to keep rent costs down.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • The victim’s mother, 60-year-old Adra Pegues, said the killer recently went on a first date with her daughter and then became obsessed with Davis, who wasn’t interested in a second date.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But while ripoffs and dodgy reboots are common in horror, some of the weirdest unauthorized sequels are the result of an obsessed fan self-financing a tribute to their favorite movie.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of obsessed

Browse Nearby Words

long hauls
longing
longing (for)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/longing. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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