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

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 yearning
Noun
Your yearnings whet the underside of her tongue, as familiar as the thrum of her own pulse. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 But not everyone might need the CBC to feed their yearnings for archival footage. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 25 June 2026 Her desire to promote her Protestant faith, along with a yearning to expand England’s political authority, helped fuel a vicious campaign to take control of Ireland, where the Reformation’s teachings had not taken hold. — Peter C. Mancall, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 Post-pandemic, Americans have been actively searching for ways to reconnect in person, with the New York Times documenting a widespread yearning for socialization that has reshaped how people spend their free time. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 June 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 like a bolt of lightning from Zeus himself, Page instantly charms us from his first swig of SunnyD, creating a character whose quippy armor hides a sensitive soul longing for meaningful connection.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Garner is a master at the tearful longing gaze over the ocean.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 19 July 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
  • Irritability and low energy and a knife-sharp craving for isolation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Barnes & Noble is back from the dead; so is the indie bookstore, buoyed by a post-pandemic craving for in-person events and non-algorithmic recommendations.
    — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Definition of craving
Adjective
  • The report highlights Africa as the world’s most pressing food-security challenge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Africa emerges as the epicenter The report highlights Africa as the world’s most pressing food-security challenge.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of pressing
Noun
  • For years, the Royals have searched for a quality outfielder, and that desire remains.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Villa’s desire to address this position has grown in prominence over the summer, with Jadon Sancho’s loan ending, Evann Guessand and Leon Bailey available to leave and Villa having the money to spend from Rogers’ sale.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of desire
Adjective
  • James Madison was insistent that Congress was the most important and powerful branch, especially the House, which was closest to the people and, being elected every two years, would infuse new blood and new ideas into Congress in perpetuity.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • Frightening and insistent, impossible yet certain, a feeling more powerful than knowledge.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Definition of insistent
Noun
  • But for whatever reason, SNL didn’t inspire the urge to vote that Hacks or Shrinking or Widow’s Bay did.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Protein is more satiating than carbohydrates alone and may reduce the urge to snack before lunch.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • Susan Lilly, the TFPD’s public information officer, tells THR that the TFPD assessed the scene for urgent life-safety concerns, such as live electrical wires near pooled water, and then ceded it to the Telluride School District.
    — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
  • The announcement comes after a group of Ashaninka Indigenous leaders began meetings with federal officials in Brasilia, Brazil's capital, seeking urgent protection for their territory.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of urgent

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yearning (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of yearning for Spanish Speakers

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