hankerings

Deep persistent longings

Hankerings are persistent desires or cravings, usually for something specific and often unattainable or inadvisable: hankerings for the old days, hankerings for a cigarette.

The word suggests a wistful, nagging quality—not urgent need but recurring want that won't quite leave you alone.

craving

yearning

Intense prolonged craving

longingIntense, persistent desire
piningAching with prolonged desire
achingExperiencing dull pain

desire · hunger · thirst · itch · jonesing · coveting · wanting · lusting · appetite · fancy

nostalgia

wistfulness

Tender sadness for absence

homesicknessLonging for one's dwelling
melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
reminiscenceRecalling past experiences

sentimentality · memories · regrets · pining · longing · yearning · ache · sighing · languishing · romanticism

impulse

urge

Strong inner drive

whimSudden arbitrary desire
compulsionIrresistible urge to act
itchUrge to scratch

inclination · notion · fancy · instinct · caprice · drive · spur · prompting · spontaneity

ambition

aspiration

Strong desire for achievement

dreamSleeping mind's narrative
hopeDesire for good outcomes
goalDesired end result

ambition · drive · motivation · wish · vision · pursuit · striving · aim · desire · passion

Opposites

desire/longing

hankeringsaversions

Strong feelings against

repulsions · revulsions · loathings · disinclinations · disinterest

emotional attachment

hankeringsrepugnance

Intense distaste or disgust

abhorrence · detestation · disgust · rejection · avoidance

intensity/persistence

hankeringscontentment

Peaceful satisfaction with circumstances

satisfaction · satiation · fulfillment · satiety · gratification

Family

hankering

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G