Longed-for
What it means
Deeply desired over time and emotionally welcomed when obtained.
Reach for it when describing a reunion, peace, home, answer, or change carrying sustained yearning
The longed-for rain arrived softly during the night.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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playful
dreamed-of
Fits when an imagined ideal has motivated someone
Careful Dreamed-of can sound fanciful when the need was practical and urgent.
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everyday
much-wanted
Fits when plain emphasis on strong desire fits
Careful Much-wanted lacks the reflective emotional tone of longed-for.
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warm
Fits when the person or thing is already held dear
Careful Cherished usually describes what is possessed, not what is still awaited.
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warm
hoped-for
Fits when hope rather than intense desire sustained the wait
Careful Hoped-for is gentler and may concern an uncertain outcome.
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formal
desired
Fits when something is wanted without extra emotional force
Careful Desired does not show duration or yearning.
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literary
Fits when intense sustained longing is genuinely present
Careful Yearned-for is equally elevated and can overstate a modest preference.
Opposites 3
- unwanted
- dreaded
- rejected
Common phrases 3
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longed-for peace
The ceasefire offered a first glimpse of longed-for peace.
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longed-for child
Their longed-for child arrived safely in early spring.
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longed-for opportunity
The fellowship became her longed-for opportunity to study abroad.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated