YEARN (FOR) Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

yearn (for)

verb

ˈyərn

Definition of yearn (for)

as in to crave

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy yearned for a little house in the country

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearn (for)

Verb

Chris Pratt believes audiences are craving different kinds of stories from Hollywood.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Steinbrenner disagreed, showing frustration with questions about his stance on a salary cap, the thing owners crave most in the next CBA.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of crave

Verb

Designed in South Korea and sold in Europe, the Bobber is aimed at riders who want their daily commute to have a little more character.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2026
The distance is worth it for travelers who want a budget-friendly hotel that still has loads of style, as prices tend to be significantly lower than downtown hotels.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of want

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.

Browse Nearby Words

yearned (over)

yearn (for)

yearning

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“Yearn (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearn%20%28for%29. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of yearn (for)

verb

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