crave

verb

ˈkrāv How to pronounce crave (audio)
Definition of cravenext
as in to want
to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy craves ice cream at all hours of the day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb crave differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crave are covet, desire, want, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When could covet be used to replace crave?

While in some cases nearly identical to crave, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When might desire be a better fit than crave?

The meanings of desire and crave largely overlap; however, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

When is it sensible to use want instead of crave?

Although the words want and crave have much in common, want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When can wish be used instead of crave?

The words wish and crave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

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 crave Even out on the run, Lyonne notes, Charlie craves human connection. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 May 2025 Taissa is not in Last Rites, Chaves confirms, even if there were times when the filmmaker admittedly craved that kind of Avengers-level Farmiga family team-up. —EW.com, 6 May 2025 Right now, people are craving cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry, the Pruchniks said. —Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2025 Employees crave meaning at work, regardless of age. —Rachel Pacheco, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for crave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave
  1. want
  2. enjoy
  3. desire
Verb
  • There is a formula for some comedy where people don’t want something different.
    — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • So to actually be part of the exhibition and be interacting with her has really been a full-circle moment for me because some of her writing really inspired me to want to design myself.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
Definition of want
Verb
  • Visitors can also enjoy a dozen dining options with cuisine inspired by the region, 24 bars, Mariachi performances and shopping from local artisans, according to a news release.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • There are oysters of various species available, and from Thursday to Sunday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, guests can enjoy a selection priced at $1.50, with gaufrettespotato chips, and a selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling for $10 a glass.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Definition of enjoy
Verb
  • Ghibli’s style was applied to family portraits, historical events including 9/11, and whatever else people desired.
    — Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
  • Following the break, the second half of Houck's 2024 left something to be desired.
    — Joey Copponi, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Definition of desire

Browse Nearby Words

crates
crave
craved
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Cite this Entry

“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crave. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of crave for Spanish Speakers

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