yearning 1 of 3

noun

ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
Definition of yearningnext
as in longing
a strong wish for something had a sudden yearning for something sweet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

yearning

2 of 3

adjective

as in crying

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

yearning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of yearn
as in pining

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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 yearning
Noun
The intensity of their yearning has only increased on their second album, Nature’s Pill—and that’s no easy feat, considering this is a band whose breakout track opens with the narrator prostrating himself before the object of his affection. — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 With nearly 100,000 videos made to its official audio, the mid-tempo ballad has become a user favorite for soundtracking TV edits, clips of romantic yearning, and videos capturing the changing seasons. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 Coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in 1979, limerence describes a state of extreme infatuation fueled by a prolonged yearning for approval or reciprocation. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026 There is a quiet yearning to know himself—to find for himself a more substantial backstory and sense of belonging—in what Shimoda pieces together. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yearning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning
  1. longing
  2. crying
  3. craving
  4. pressing
  5. desire
  6. insistent
  7. urge
  8. urgent
Noun
  • But across this wolf may cry, her breathy delivery becomes so uniform that longing, frustration, and romantic desperation frequently sound indistinguishable.
    — Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • A lot of people have so much longing for that era too — things seemed so simple then.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of longing
Adjective
  • Some in the pro-crying camp pointed to articles and headlines as proof.
    — Jon Sarlin, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of crying
Noun
  • Ladybird Taco started with a breakfast craving, a homemade tortilla and a chance encounter that changed everything.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • And, later, a midnight snack of lobster rolls, hot dogs, and pizzas certainly quashed any late-night cravings.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of craving
Adjective
  • Yet, recent history demonstrates a declining role for SED in providing necessary professional judgement in addressing our most pressing educational concerns.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Thirty-four percent ranked the price of groceries highest, and an equal number (23 percent) ranked the price of gas and protecting democracy as the most pressing issues of the moment.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of pressing
Noun
  • In the wake of tragedy and separation, she is lost, wary of the immensity and opacity of her desire; anger crouches inside her, too, a fact that her divorce made mercilessly clear to her.
    — Jamie Hood, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
  • These papers have hosted the voices of those who have parsed out the details of how Newsom’s across-the-board commutations are legally suspect in various ways, and indeed argued that Newsom is undermining the desires of Californians.
    — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of desire
Adjective
  • The meaning is largely in the emotion and intelligence Lily brings to bear upon her work, the process, the insistent intertwining of her creativity and her becoming.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • It was meant to be, as 860’s insistent underscoring by Marc Shaiman will often remind you.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of insistent
Noun
  • This winter gives us a second chance at that childlike urge to make a statement.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But is that because dementia has robbed Leslie of the ability to modulate her urges?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • Something entertaining could tempt you this evening, especially if the offer makes enjoyment sound urgent.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Fixes needed With more extreme rain on the horizon, the need for more flood control projects is urgent, Weiss said.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of urgent

Browse Nearby Words

yearn (for)
yearning
yearning (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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