YEARNING Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

yearning 1 of 3

noun

ˈyər-niŋ

Definition of yearning

as in longing

a strong wish for something had a sudden yearning for something sweet

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

yearning

2 of 3

adjective

as in crying

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Dissimilar Words

yearning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of yearn

as in pining

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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

With nearly 100,000 videos made to its official audio, the mid-tempo ballad has become a user favorite for soundtracking TV edits, clips of romantic yearning, and videos capturing the changing seasons. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 Coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in 1979, limerence describes a state of extreme infatuation fueled by a prolonged yearning for approval or reciprocation. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026 There is a quiet yearning to know himself—to find for himself a more substantial backstory and sense of belonging—in what Shimoda pieces together. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the polar opposite of both Number One’s icy demeanor and Chapel’s long-suffering yearning, Majel is remembered by friends and colleagues as a boisterous, brassy, take-no-prisoners presence. — Scott Huver, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yearning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for yearning

Noun

Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Netizens proclaimed their affection for the rattan man, claiming a combination of intrigue, longing, and confusion.

— Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of longing

Noun

Ladybird Taco started with a breakfast craving, a homemade tortilla and a chance encounter that changed everything.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
And, later, a midnight snack of lobster rolls, hot dogs, and pizzas certainly quashed any late-night cravings.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of craving

Noun

In order to be helpful, Muse constantly builds extensive dossiers of users and their desires, social relationships, and messaging behaviors, TIME’s Harry Booth reported this month.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
This offbeat tendency doesn’t preclude a desire to make a big splash, of course.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of desire

Adjective

There’s something inherently comical about this insistent, creepy overfamiliarity.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Those close to Al-Khelaifi are insistent that there is no conflict of interest, with the chair recusing himself from the LFP board over the past 12 months to remove any potential issue.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of insistent

Cite this Entry

Style

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yearning. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of yearning

noun

adjective

verb

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