as in longing
a strong wish for something
a sudden pining to have steak for dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in covetous
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 pining
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
Zohran Mamdani has just moved in, and considering the thoughtful aesthetic details of his campaign—which his stylish first lady, artist Rama Duwaji, had a hand in designing—we’re pining for a look at how the couple decorates their new digs.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pining
Noun
-
The relentless weight of longing is largely absent from Fennell’s vision.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
While the British singer’s longing vocals and smooth hooks take obvious cues from ’90s and 2000s’ R&B, her bouncy and moody SoCal sound aligns her with the present.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
-
These are simple enough to make on a busy weeknight but will satisfy those burger cravings.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Seems that in this age of digital everything there’s a strong craving for a little dose of analog.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
My time in public service has been defined by that same desire to make state government work for working people.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
People have the desire to evolve together, and get past the minor annoyances of a Gemini being too flighty for an intense Scorpio or a Leo’s dramatics overshadowing Taurus’s kindness.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Its protein and fat content promote satiety, which can also reduce the urge to reach for sugary, quickly digested snacks that would cause more dramatic fluctuations.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
-
All throughout the film, there are images of terrible things being done to other creatures, as if to express the humans’ futile attempts to tamp down their natural urges.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Jackson’s thirst for attention began in childhood.—
Johanna Neuman,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
While uniting the community worldwide, the fasting tradition is meant to help Muslims experience the hunger and thirst of the poor and foster empathy and generosity.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pining. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
