yen

noun

Definition of yennext
as in craving
a strong wish for something I have a strange yen to take the day off from work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 yen Stays costing less than 13,000 yen per person per night (about $80) are exempt. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Violators would face up to two years in prison or a maximum fine of 200,000 yen (about $1,230). — ABC News, 17 July 2026 To prevent precipitous yen depreciation, Tokyo has periodically intervened in markets and spent tens of billions of dollars to shore up the currency in April and May. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Have a yen for Japanese cuisine–then whisper-thin icy somen noodles will nicely hit the spot without bogging you down. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for yen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yen
  1. craving
  2. desire
  3. thirst
  4. longing
  5. urge
  6. appetite
  7. hunger
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
Noun
  • Cary, torn between his own desires and others’ expectations, can’t seem to determine where his loyalties lie.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in the 80-minute one-act play, which won Escola a Tony Award.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
Definition of desire
Noun
  • Scattered on the dunes, the surviving population of Gaza was reduced to bare existence, subject to unrelenting hunger and thirst under the ever-present hum of killer drones and bomber jets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Stay hydrated in the heat Summer heat raises the body’s fluid needs, and thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of thirst
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
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
Noun
  • When a pet chews on one of these plants, the crystals irritate the mouth and cause pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • When a pet chews on them, the crystals irritate the mouth, causing pain, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite, according to the ASPCA.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of appetite
Noun
  • Scattered on the dunes, the surviving population of Gaza was reduced to bare existence, subject to unrelenting hunger and thirst under the ever-present hum of killer drones and bomber jets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Protein coffee can help boost daily protein intake, curb hunger and support muscle maintenance, all in one grab-and-go drink.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of hunger

Phrases Containing yen

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yelps
yen
yen (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Yen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yen. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on yen

Nglish: Translation of yen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yen

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