yearning 1 of 3

Definition of yearningnext

yearning

2 of 3

adjective

yearning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of yearn

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 song doesn’t have an overtly Christmas-y vibe, but late singer Freddie Mercury’s yearning, wistful vocals give it the feeling of sad-eyed holiday nostalgia so familiar from other blue Christmas yuletide classics. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2025 Enemies to lovers, public image versus private life, young love, yearning, and ice rinks? Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 23 Dec. 2025 The designer explains that the paint trend is both a backlash against cold minimalism and a yearning for cozy, enveloping spaces that boost the mood. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025 In the modern Christmas spirit, the manipulative version of what the economist Adam Smith called the invisible hand of the market meets the human yearning for structured distraction. Maria Balaska, Time, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for yearning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning
Noun
  • Andrew begins to feel both sympathetic and longing for Millie and leaves Nina for the maid.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Mangold has a showy falsetto that heightens Noah’s vulnerable longing, but the duets with Cheers’ Allie aren’t lyrically sophisticated enough to provide the relationship with much depth.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But his crying scene in Ford v Ferrari is one for the ages.
    Michael Granberry, Dallas News, 17 Jan. 2020
Noun
  • Sugar consumption increases sugar cravings, which can lead to more over-consumption of sugar.
    Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2026
  • One cozy meal to consider is the Beijing Noodle Soup at Honey Buns Cafe II, which comes with pork, noodles and a variety of vegetables to soothe your cravings for comfort food.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That debate, however, left coaches furious that the most pressing issue in the sport – its calendar – was not discussed in the one time a year the coaches gather in the same room.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Most are anxious about physical conflict in the short term, ranking ‘geoeconomic confrontation’ as the most pressing global risk over the next two years.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors reject that claim, saying the decision was based on the strength of the evidence, Utah law and a desire to curb speculation and misinformation in a case that immediately drew national and international attention.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Kutcher and Kunis have previously been open about their desire to keep their children's lives private.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes the people are extremely pushy and insistent.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Donna Adelson began a fierce campaign against Markel to relocate the children and Wendi down to South Florida with her, but Markel remained insistent on keeping the kids in Tallahassee, 500 miles away, according to authorities.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The urge to distinguish oneself wouldn’t tug as strongly.
    Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Cookie cravings, a tinge of melancholy, and the urge to hibernate and fix your life all at once.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And there is another urgent area requiring our attention.
    Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The administration’s enthusiasm to improve America’s health has real, urgent promise.
    Jerome Adams, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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