pine

Definition of pinenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pine distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of pine are hanker, hunger, long, thirst, and yearn. While all these words mean "to have a strong desire for something," pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible.

pined for a lost love

In what contexts can hanker take the place of pine?

While in some cases nearly identical to pine, hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire.

always hankering for money

How do hunger and thirst relate to one another, in the sense of pine?

Both hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need.

hungered for a business of his own
thirsted for power

When can long be used instead of pine?

In some situations, the words long and pine are roughly equivalent. However, long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain.

longed for some rest

Where would yearn be a reasonable alternative to pine?

The synonyms yearn and pine are sometimes interchangeable, but yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing.

yearned for a stage career

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 pine The Castlery Black Friday sale is a prime opportunity to pine over the retailer’s classic silhouettes and neutral color palettes at slightly more wallet-friendly prices. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025 Instead of pining over co-workers, Marissa is happily married to Peter (Jake Lacy), a commodities broker and, conversely, a gold-star human being. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025 When the episode opens, Belly has been in Paris for a year while Conrad was at med school brooding and pining, his two favorite pastimes. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Sep. 2025 The 34-mile road winds through several ecosystems from cove hardwood to northern hardwood to pine oak to spruce fir. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pine
Verb
  • Instead, her face is searching, longing for her words to have weight.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
  • As homeowners decorate for this year's holiday season, many are longing for the days of cozier, simpler Christmases.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Martinez has, over the last decade, watched her cousin yearn for release as his 2027 parole eligibility date has drawn closer.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Here, Blyth and Bader talk about why men need to yearn more, Poppy and Alex’s attachment issues and how the movie’s already iconic dance scene came together.
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pine. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pine

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