OpenSynonym

yearns

/jɜrns/

VERB

1. To have a strong desire for something

To long for or feel an intense desire to obtain, experience, or achieve something.

1.1. Strong desire or longing

Expresses an intense desire for something that is wanted, pursued, or difficult to attain.

Synonyms

  • longs
  • pines

Examples

  • The adventurer yearns for unexplored lands, seeking new horizons and experiences.
  • The young dreamer yearns for a future filled with possibilities.

Related Words

  • craves
  • desires
  • hankers
  • wishes
  • yearns

VERB

2. To long nostalgically for the past

To feel a deep, melancholy longing for something that existed or happened in the past.

2.1. Nostalgic longing

Describes a wistful desire to return to or experience again earlier times, memories, or circumstances.

Synonyms

  • longs
  • pines

Examples

  • She yearns for the carefree days of her childhood.

Related Words

  • misses
  • remembers
  • reminisces
  • nostalgizes

VERB

3. To feel deep love or affection

To experience strong feelings of love, sympathy, or affection toward someone.

3.1. Longing for someone's companionship

Expresses a deep emotional desire for the presence, companionship, or affection of someone.

Synonyms

  • longs
  • pines

Examples

  • In the quiet moments of solitude, she yearns for the companionship of a true friend.
  • The romantic protagonist yearns for the return of a lost love.

Related Words

VERB

4. To suffer emotionally or grieve

To experience emotional pain, distress, sorrow, or grief.

4.1. Experiencing distress or anguish

Describes suffering inwardly from sadness, worry, emotional pain, or distress.

Synonyms

  • agonizes
  • despairs
  • frets
  • stresses
  • troubles
  • worries

Examples

  • She yearns over the loss of the life she once knew.

Related Words

  • grieves
  • mourns
  • suffers
  • anguishes
  • chafes

VERB

5. To cause pain, grief, or vexation

To cause someone emotional pain, sorrow, distress, or annoyance.

5.1. Causing emotional distress

Describes causing another person to feel troubled, upset, or emotionally distressed.

Synonyms

  • bothers
  • troubles

Related Words

VERB

6. To curdle milk

To cause milk to coagulate or separate into curds and whey.

6.1. Milk coagulation

Refers to the process of causing milk to thicken or separate into curds and whey.

Synonyms

  • curdles
  • coagulates

Related Words