pining 1 of 3

Definition of piningnext

pining

2 of 3

adjective

pining

3 of 3

verb

present participle of pine

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 pining
Noun
Zohran Mamdani has just moved in, and considering the thoughtful aesthetic details of his campaign—which his stylish first lady, artist Rama Duwaji, had a hand in designing—we’re pining for a look at how the couple decorates their new digs. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pining
Noun
  • The relentless weight of longing is largely absent from Fennell’s vision.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • While the British singer’s longing vocals and smooth hooks take obvious cues from ’90s and 2000s’ R&B, her bouncy and moody SoCal sound aligns her with the present.
    Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • This is, in part, correct: Voldemort is extremely covetous of power.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The differences were especially pronounced in the evenings, when cravings tend to peak.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That said, your craving for quiet could conflict with a task request, so some trade-offs might be necessary.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Clinton, whose relationship with Epstein has been subject to public scrutiny, said his desire for a public hearing is out of respect for Epstein’s victims and claimed Comer, who presides over the committee, is using Clinton as a political pawn.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The launch will showcase the founder’s desire to introduce something new to the luxury aviation space.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Resist the urge to interpret affection as loyalty.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Resist the urge to change your appearance.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Send Help gives its beleaguered office-worker protagonist a thirst for blood.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
  • But at this point, the trend’s persistence and the thirst with which its products are consumed suggest a more profound connection between these stories and their audience.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pining. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pining

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!