CARRYING A TORCH (FOR) Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

carrying a torch (for)

phrase

variants or carrying the torch (for)

present participle of carry a torch (for)

as in falling for

to feel passion, devotion, or tenderness for She still carries a torch for her husband after over 30 years of marriage.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for carrying a torch (for)

falling for

Phrase

But Danny and Ricky aren’t falling for Russ’ carefree act, and Ricky, unable to take any more of his lies, storms out.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
That’s not an exaggeration, as Austin rents have been falling for several years.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of falling for

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.

Browse Nearby Words

carrying

carrying a torch (for)

carrying away

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Carrying a torch (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/carrying%20a%20torch%20%28for%29. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of carrying a torch (for)

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes