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

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 long

Adjective

The Honest Company cofounder wore a pair of wide-leg indigo jeans with a black blouse and long black jacket with suit-like inspiration. —

Julia Teti, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025 The multi-rayed sea cucumber measured about 1 foot long and 3 inches wide when alive but shrank after being preserved, researchers said. —

Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025

Adverb

The affair felt looser on the floor than any other MusiCares gala in memory, and probably ever, with few attendees remaining in their seats for very long after the live music started in earnest. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025 In fact, the quaint town of Laguna has long served as a retreat for creatives, bohemians and surfers. —

Katie Kiefner, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2025

Noun

Margaret, bound by her royal duties, longs for more spontaneity; Stacy wouldn’t mind being a fancy royal for a day or so. —

Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Nov. 2024 But that subcutaneous layer, the part that fears and regrets and longs for a different past as much as for a different future, isn’t visible with Gallagher. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

Verb

Since the Community movie was officially announced in 2022, fans have longed for more information about what the film entails. —

Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2024 It’s meant to be a blessing for poor souls — those far from God, longing to come home. —

Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for long

Recent Examples of Synonyms for long

Adjective

However, as the comet recedes from the sun, planetary perturbations will make the orbit even more elongated, so the next return to perihelion (of whatever of it is that is still left of it) will be about 600,000 years hence.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Another catchy song with elongated, ethereal harmonies that capture the temptation of infidelity.

— Bryan West, The Tennessean, 18 Apr. 2024