YEARNING Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

yearning 1 of 3

noun

ˈyər-niŋ

Definition of yearning

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

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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

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 Students’ response to this approach has been full of gratitude, curiosity, respect, and a yearning for growth professionally and personally. — David Elkowitz, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026 Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence. — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yearning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning

Noun

He’s also fully equipped with human foibles, including a longing for celebrity.

— Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character has to reckon with what their choices cost.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of longing

Noun

The books below will satisfy your bog witch cravings, while also reminding you of the real-world importance of bogs as bulwarks against climate change, cradles of biodiversity, and keepers of ancestral memory.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Another is Gimme Gummy, a craving for squishy, jelly-like textures in everything from candy to phone cases.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of craving

Adjective

While security is by far the most pressing priority, new projections from the IMF have revealed the war’s deepening economic toll.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.

— Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressing

Noun

In order to be helpful, Muse constantly builds extensive dossiers of users and their desires, social relationships, and messaging behaviors, TIME’s Harry Booth reported this month.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
This offbeat tendency doesn’t preclude a desire to make a big splash, of course.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of desire

Adjective

There’s something inherently comical about this insistent, creepy overfamiliarity.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Those close to Al-Khelaifi are insistent that there is no conflict of interest, with the chair recusing himself from the LFP board over the past 12 months to remove any potential issue.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of insistent

Noun

When a genuine problem arises, said Ryan Jane Jacoby, a clinical psychologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, resist the urge to eliminate every unknown.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
But if the urge to work up a sweat arises, there’s a heated outdoor swimming pool and a full-size grass tennis court.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of urge

Cite this Entry

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“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of yearning

noun

adjective

verb

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