LONGINGS Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

longing 1 of 3

noun

ˈlȯŋ-iŋ

Definition of longing

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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

longing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of long

as in yearning

Related Words

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 longing

Noun

Faydra explores the impossibility of reconciling logic and longing — especially for a woman unwilling to deny desire. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026 Humans have speculated about eternal life since ancient times, Gershwin said, and the longing is close to universal. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Werther, in his self-delusion, embodies another Goethean type, the longing man—ordinary, but convinced of the extraordinariness of his feelings. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for longing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for longing

Noun

All the climate stories in this show are part of the desire to be authentic, but also speak to what our audiences are living through.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Younger consumers' enthusiasm for fall, a desire to plan ahead and retailers' efforts to extend seasonal spending may all be helping drive the shift.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of desire

Adjective

Starring Elordi and Barry Keoghan, Fennell’s dark comedy about class resentment and covetous destruction was sold on the promise of erotic excess.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026
For most players, that amount of storage is realistically enough for all but the most covetous data hoarders.

— Matt Kamen, Wired News, 3 Aug. 2025

Definition of covetous

Noun

When a croissant, a cupcake or a cookie craving is calling, a stop at one of Charlotte’s best bakeries is in order.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
The Concours Club has given him a Miami address for his craving, along with storage, service, coaching, and a place to keep his own racing history in motion.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of craving

Adjective

Up to half of the more than 200,000 mountain glaciers — vast, slow moving rivers of ice that creep across the world’s peaks — are expected to disappear by the end of this century, even if ambitious climate goals are met.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Some argue that cultural norms of male leadership and even outright discrimination keep women from top roles, while others argue that women are less ambitious than men.

— Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ambitious

Noun

More than just thirst quenchers, functional beverages are engineered to deliver a wellness punch with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, probiotics and enzymes for gut health and adaptogens for mood support.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
What the estate has built in the 15 years since his death is a testament to the thirst for life that the artist had while on this earth.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of thirst

Adjective

Sabrina Carpenter’s salacious blend of heartland rock, country, and pop seems versed in Parton’s musically restless Hollywood heyday.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
How skipping breakfast affects kids at school Nemours KidsHealth reports that kids who miss the morning meal often feel tired, restless or irritable by midmorning.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of restless

Adjective

The victim’s mother, 60-year-old Adra Pegues, said the killer recently went on a first date with her daughter and then became obsessed with Davis, who wasn’t interested in a second date.

— Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
But while ripoffs and dodgy reboots are common in horror, some of the weirdest unauthorized sequels are the result of an obsessed fan self-financing a tribute to their favorite movie.

— Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of obsessed

Cite this Entry

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“Longing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/longing. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of longing

noun

adjective

verb

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