crave

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 The wait for the truly elite goalkeeper Stamford Bridge has craved since Thibaut Courtois pushed his way to Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 will stretch at least until the end of this season. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025 The shift in focus toward Medicaid might be what the Democratic base is craving. Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025 And who’s not craving some good-versus-evil stuff right now? Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 This high-paying job offers the intellectual stimulation introverts often crave, with projects that require sustained focus rather than constant collaboration. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave
Verb
  • This is the scent for someone who wants to make a statement with a fragrance that feels both familiar and surprising.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Training convolutional neural networks on paintings in the early 2010s was valuable to computer scientists and entrepreneurs who wanted to improve surveillance technology, though.
    Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Some of our favorite celebrity couples popped out to enjoy their significant other, happily ushering in the new season.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Visa Infinite cardholders in Singapore enjoy golf discounts at Sentosa Golf Club and Tanah Merah Country Club on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In a society that often celebrates rebellion, victimhood, and division, cultivating daughters who desire to be young women who embrace being gracious, thoughtful, empathetic, and genuine can be a task.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Serve, garnished with the fennel fronds, if desired.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crave. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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