LONGINGS Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

longing 1 of 3

noun

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ

Definition of longing

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

Vigeland Museum describes the work as a summary of the park’s journey from cradle to grave, encompassing joy, sorrow, hope and longing. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 In messages before the attack, read aloud before the court on Monday, Colt wrote about his longing for fame and obsession with Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland school shooter who killed 17 students and teachers in 2018. — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 July 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

Noun

Rachel Ionata, a research and development manager at the center, said the effort is driven by a desire to preserve the environment for future generations.

— Joan Murray, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Additionally, several council members also spoke of the development as part of the eastern gateway to the city, indicating their desire to think big about what the site could be.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 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

But to your brain, romance may look less like affection and more like craving, stress, and reward.

— Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
Low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice and restless legs syndrome are a few signs, according to Thomas.

— Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 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

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

For instance, while journeying through the depths of Pisces, Luna will clash with Uranus in Gemini this afternoon, triggering a restless undercurrent that can make routines, restrictions and other people’s expectations all the more irritating.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
The natives are restless, but as far as I (or anyone else, for that matter) can tell, leadership doesn't seem to be in a big rush to show Dabo the door.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of restless

Noun

Let go of any lingering urges or habits to play it small because when eclipses arrive, there’s higher potential for big life changes.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Before returning from vacation, a retreat or even a demanding week, resist the urge to jump back into action.

— Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of urge

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

Definition of obsessed

Cite this Entry

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“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/longing. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of longing

noun

adjective

verb

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