yen 1 of 2

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

yen (for)

2 of 2

verb

as in to crave
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy what car lover doesn't yen for a new car at the start of every model year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Noun
The country is contending with a rising cost-of-living and a weak yen that hit a 40-year low this week. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026 Nittobo electronic materials' profit jumps 40% All figures are operating profit in billions of yen. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 July 2026 Fortune reported the weak yen has helped turn tourism into Japan’s second-largest export, with visitor spending surging even as some residents grumble about overtourism. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 19 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 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
  • But to your brain, romance may look less like affection and more like craving, stress, and reward.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Low energy, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fainting, brittle or thin nails, hair loss, cravings to chew ice and restless legs syndrome are a few signs, according to Thomas.
    — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of craving
Noun
  • Rachel Ionata, a research and development manager at the center, said the effort is driven by a desire to preserve the environment for future generations.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, several council members also spoke of the development as part of the eastern gateway to the city, indicating their desire to think big about what the site could be.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of desire
Noun
  • Staying hydrated is especially important since GLP-1 medications can reduce thirst for some people, and travel itself — especially flying, hot weather, or long sightseeing days — may already increase the risk of dehydration.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Vuskovic’s thirst to improve is accompanied by a temperament to deal with setbacks, indicating a maturity beyond his years.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of thirst
Noun
  • At first glance, the Irwin Pizza Hut’s preservation of its 1990s aesthetic seems like a simple case of promoting a nostalgic longing for the past.
    — Jeff Galak, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
  • This is, at times, a wrenching novel, strewn with broken bodies, but its atrocities never overwhelm its faith in creaturely communion, and in grief and longing that clarify, rather than obscure, one’s desires and selfhood.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of longing
Noun
  • Let go of any lingering urges or habits to play it small because when eclipses arrive, there’s higher potential for big life changes.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Before returning from vacation, a retreat or even a demanding week, resist the urge to jump back into action.
    — Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of urge
Noun
  • The Pentagon’s appetite for startups and emerging tech is growing, and investors are pouncing.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms of a salmonella infection may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite, according to the CDC.
    — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of appetite
Noun
  • Young people today have a real hunger for interesting, honest stuff that doesn’t feel jury-rigged to make a ton of money.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That can be useful for eating disorders because people often disconnect from feelings such as hunger, thirst, fatigue and cold.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of hunger

Phrases Containing yen

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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 8 Aug. 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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