longing 1 of 3

noun

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ How to pronounce longing (audio)
Definition of longingnext
as in desire
a strong wish for something by four o'clock in the afternoon, I usually experience a strong longing for chocolate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

longing

2 of 3

adjective

as in pining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

longing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of long
as in yearning

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 longing
Noun
Like this Water sign, Anastasia initially comes off as hard-edged and competitive, but her vulnerability and longing to meet Prince Charming reflect Scorpio’s raging passion. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 By the numbers: There's a longing to find those spaces IRL. — Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025 The earworm record provokes a sense of longing, one that is uplifting, cathartic and beautiful. — Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 If the famous pistol scene feels a bit anticlimactic, the end of the play distills a shattering feeling of longing for something long lost. — Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for longing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for longing
  1. desire
  2. craving
  3. covetous
  4. thirst
  5. ambitious
  6. urge
  7. restless
  8. hunger
Noun
  • Mister Romantic may be an equal-opportunity flirt, but there’s no carnal undercurrent to his desires.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But according to Love, Nash also expressed a desire to leave that lifestyle behind and was actively working to make positive changes in his life.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of desire
Noun
  • Citrus America is helping retailers satisfy shoppers’ cravings for fresher, healthier products while redefining expectations along the way.
    — Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Their natural sweetness can satisfy your sweet tooth cravings without providing excessive calories.
    — Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of craving
Adjective
  • For a very long time, other nations have been sizing up California with a covetous eye.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of covetous
Noun
  • The track finds Rocky taking a lyrical jab at former affiliates of his crew, attributing their conduct to their own thirst for success and fame.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Wayne took out an ad of his own, distancing himself as much as possible from Wills' thirst.
    — Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of thirst
Adjective
  • Musical series are rare in Spain, especially with such an ambitious format.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Faced with Nantucket’s strict building codes and an ambitious client wish list—including a car showroom, spa, gym, and indoor basketball court—the team at AD PRO Directory firm Workshop/APD recognized an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
    — Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of ambitious
Noun
  • But even if your last wet T-shirt contest is safely in the rearview mirror, there’s still the urge to shake off winter and welcome the sunshine.
    — Jessica Iredale, airmail.news, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Often, the urge to control how things unfold leads to frustration, impulsive decisions and unnecessary stress.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • But not on this recent Wednesday — because the herd is restless.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • After a restless night while a thunderstorm raged outside, Tess and Anna wake up not as themselves, but as two 14-year-old girls, Harper and Lily.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of restless
Noun
  • Thank wars, confusion and a hunger for sunlight Opinion Opinion: Pinnacol Assurance needs changes to continue workers’ compensation coverage at a competitive rate Pinnacol Assurance is currently standing at a crossroads.
    — The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Head coach Connor Brickley credited his team’s drive and hunger to return to TD Garden as motivating factors.
    — Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of hunger

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Cite this Entry

“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/longing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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