yearning

noun

yearn·​ing ˈyər-niŋ How to pronounce yearning (audio)
Synonyms of yearning
: a tender or urgent longing
a yearning for justice

Synonyms of yearning

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Examples of yearning in a Sentence

had a sudden yearning for something sweet
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026 For the uninitiated, Cohan isn’t at all off base to suggest that fans drop their yearning for this particular pair of characters. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 But the Deadheads also evince an honest yearning for something that’s tribal, primitive, sacred, ancient, shamanic, ecstatic. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 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 See All Example Sentences for yearning

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yearning was before the 12th century

Rhymes for yearning

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Browse Nearby Words

yearnful
yearning
yearningly
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Cite this Entry

“Yearning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearning. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

yearning

noun
yearn·​ing
: a tender or eager longing

More from Merriam-Webster on yearning

Nglish: Translation of yearning for Spanish Speakers

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