1
as in to pity
to have sympathy for
I ache for those people who have to spend the holidays alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to crave
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy
aching for some quiet time to himself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ache (for)
Verb
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In this type of thinking, the desire to be alone is seen as unnatural and unhealthy, something to be pitied or feared rather than valued or encouraged.—
Virginia Thomas,
The Conversation,
4 Apr. 2025 -
Often, the authors are wrestling with grief, trauma or loss, and find solace in the company of an animal who isn’t forced to be their companion, and doesn’t pity or judge them.—
Alexandra Alter,
New York Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At that moment in his life, Bacon was craving some peace of mind.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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For those who still crave that feeling, but don’t have a private-jet budget, BeOnd—a boutique, all-business-class airline—is pitching itself as the next best thing.—
Scott Campbell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While weddings are generally less formal these days, that arguably makes the dress code even more challenging: no one wants to be underdressed, or overdressed, for a friend’s big day.—
Emily Chan,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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This is the rare situation where a team wanted a star player gone and not the other way around.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ache (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ache%20%28for%29. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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