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 Valentine, Andrews’ ninth LP, offers a conditional yes—not by pining for anyone in particular, but by fiercely defending the right to pine. Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026 Thankfully, for Land Rover fans pining to see its vehicles scaling rocks and cresting sand dunes in full race mode, their patience has been rewarded. Karl Brauer, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026 His father's signature martial arts style, called Songahm Taekwondo, has deep Arkansas roots, and the name Songahm, which translates to 'pine tree rock,' has parallels to the natural beauty of Arkansas his father valued, Lee said. Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 3 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for pine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pine
Verb
  • Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day honors mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in all forms, from single mothers and working moms to women grieving the loss of a child and those who long to become mothers.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 10 May 2026
  • Minnesota can also long for Lod’s connectivity and creativity in midfield.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Nostalgia is having a major moment right now, as people yearn for the calmer and simpler times.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
  • Based on the Season 4 premiere, the town’s residents, who yearn to escape, are now in for a rude awakening.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pine. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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