Synonyms of yearn

yearn

verb

as in to long

Synonyms & Similar Words

• long
• pine
• agonize
• fear
• worry
• bother
• despair
• trouble
• chafe
• stress
• sweat
• fret
• stew
• fuss

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• take
• endure
• sustain
• tolerate
• abide
• bear
• stick out
• stomach

Synonym Chooser

How is the word yearn distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of yearn are hanker, hunger, long, pine, and thirst. While all these words mean "to have a strong desire for something," yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing.

yearned for a stage career

Where would hanker be a reasonable alternative to yearn?

The synonyms hanker and yearn are sometimes interchangeable, but hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire.

always hankering for money

How are the words hunger and thirst related as synonyms of yearn?

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 could long be used to replace yearn?

Although the words long and yearn have much in common, long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain.

longed for some rest

When might pine be a better fit than yearn?

The words pine and yearn can be used in similar contexts, but pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible.

pined for a lost love

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of yearn

Hold on to democratic ideals Americans are yearning for the rule of law to hold. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025

The fang gang present themselves as yearning European folk enthusiasts and later as jigging fiends and sometime metalheads. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025

Jackman yearned to return to the role despite the clawed mutant dying in 2017’s Logan. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025

Villa’s most recent domestic trophy — discounting the 2019 play-off final victory — came in 1996 and supporters have yearned for their team to challenge in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025