LONG Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'long' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of long are hanker , hunger , pine , thirst , and yearn . While all these words mean "to have a strong desire for something," long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain. // longed for some rest

Q: When would 'hanker' be a good substitute for 'long'?

Although the words hanker and long have much in common, hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire. // always hankering for money

Q: How are the words 'hunger' and 'thirst' related as synonyms of 'long'?

Both hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need. // hungered for a business of his own // thirsted for power

Q: When can 'pine' be used instead of 'long'?

The meanings of pine and long largely overlap; however, pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible. // pined for a lost love

Q: When is it sensible to use 'yearn' instead of 'long'?

The words yearn and long are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing. // yearned for a stage career

long 1 of 4

adjective

ˈlȯŋ

Definition of long next

as in elongated

of great extent from end to end giraffes have long necks to help them reach leaves on tall trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lengthy

lasting for a considerable time if it's boring, even a movie with a running time of 90 minutes can seem long

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

long

2 of 4

adverb

as in perennially

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

long

3 of 4

noun

as in months

a long or seemingly long period of time they should be here before long

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

long

4 of 4

verb

as in to pine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word long distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of long are hanker, hunger, pine, thirst, and yearn. While all these words mean "to have a strong desire for something," long implies a wishing with one's whole heart and often a striving to attain.

longed for some rest

When would hanker be a good substitute for long?

Although the words hanker and long have much in common, hanker suggests the uneasy promptings of unsatisfied appetite or desire.

always hankering for money

How are the words hunger and thirst related as synonyms of long?

Both hunger and thirst imply an insistent or impatient craving or a compelling need.

hungered for a business of his own

thirsted for power

When can pine be used instead of long?

The meanings of pine and long largely overlap; however, pine implies a languishing or a fruitless longing for what is impossible.

pined for a lost love

When is it sensible to use yearn instead of long?

The words yearn and long are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, yearn suggests an eager, restless, or painful longing.

yearned for a stage career

Examples 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 long

Adjective

In our review of the OnePlus 12, our expert Sarah Lord was impressed with the phone's display and long battery life, as well as the premium performance. —

Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 8 Nov. 2024 These include: World Cruises (typically 3-4 months long), Grand Voyages (usually 35-70 nights), and Back-to-back cruises (successive cruises on the same ship without disembarking). —

Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Adverb

Volkswagen employees have long benefited from generous pay deals and cast-iron job security, while resisting all efforts by the management to rein in costs to cope with challenges such as soaring energy prices. —

The Week Uk, theweek, 10 Nov. 2024 As Jonathan Chait wrote recently in New York magazine, education was long a defining issue for Democrats. —

Pamela Paul, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Noun

At least one of them is bored with the daily routine and longs to do something more exciting. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 Aug. 2024 The analyst made several changes to his list of top large-cap longs: Alphabet and Uber Technologies have been bumped up to the top of the list, and Shopify is the latest addition to the list, with the removal of Amazon and Expedia Group. —

Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 16 July 2024

Verb

In 1943, Nena is a teenager who longs for adventure while plagued by premonitions. —

Theara Coleman, theweek, 7 Oct. 2024 This is what sommeliers have been longing for: autonomy over their schedules while continuing to pursue their passion. —

Noel Burgess, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for long

Recent Examples of Synonyms for long

Adjective

Going in a head-to-toe, monochromatic OOTD creates an elongated look while punctuating a palette of neutrals with a pop of burgundy is also a fun way to play the trend.

Jane Hanson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Though the elongated, horizontal silhouette is undoubtedly a classic, the east-west style has a flirty edge, perhaps thanks to its smaller size or ability to complete an evening look.

Angela Law, refinery29.com, 29 Feb. 2024