Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a dismal Australian Open second-round exit in January, she discussed at length how she yearned to play in "a way more similar to how I was playing when I was younger".

From BBC • May 15, 2026

"My suitcase is packed in my head," she said, explaining that she has yearned to reconnect with everything that she misses about Iran: "the atmosphere, the streets, the neighbours, friends, everything".

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Mr. Dalrymple cites the example of U Ottama, also called Mahatma Ottama— “a short Buddhist monk with large ears and a scar on his forehead”—who yearned for Burmese union with India.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

After reading Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” she explained, she yearned for more “old-fashioned” stories centering girls and women.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

His anguish was plain; I yearned to comfort him, but I was at a loss to know how.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer