crave

verb

\ ˈkrāv

How to pronounce crave (audio)

\

craved; craving

Definition of crave

transitive verb

1 : to ask for earnestly : beg, demand crave a pardon for neglect

2a : to want greatly : need craves drugs craves attention

b : to yearn for crave a vanished youth

intransitive verb

: to have a strong or inward desire craves after affection

Other Words from crave Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about crave

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for crave

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for. desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim. desires to start a new life wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable. wishes for permanent world peace want specifically suggests a felt need or lack. wants to have a family crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need. craves sweets covet implies strong envious desire. covets his rise to fame

Examples of crave in a Sentence

Like many celebrities, he craves attention. I was craving french fries, so I pulled into the nearest fast-food restaurant.

Recent Examples on the Web How many people crave the theatrical experience enough to bypass watching at home? — Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Black Widow' joins the streaming battle, but nobody's sure what winning looks like," 26 Mar. 2021 Although Beahm has renewed appreciation for nature’s subdued palette, others may still crave a bit of color in the designs. — Washington Post, "In this season of austerity, there’s a cold sort of beauty in decorating with twigs," 1 Dec. 2020 Theaters and other arts organizations crave a wider and more diverse audience, but making people of all races and backgrounds feel equally welcome remains a challenge for many. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "‘They have to feel comfortable’: For Orlando arts groups, diversifying their audience is critical," 23 Nov. 2020 Pacing that requires patience is a risky move, especially in Episode 1, and within a franchise that’s conditioned its audiences to crave nonstop action. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Marvel’s new TV series sets itself up to fight a powerful villain: racism in America," 18 Mar. 2021 Modern customers crave convenience, which is highlighted in the Tonal/Nordstrom partnership. — Blake Morgan, Forbes, "What The Tonal/Nordstrom Partnership Means For The Future Of Experiential Retail," 2 Mar. 2021 Employees may crave a change of scenery and a taste of social interaction after enduring extended isolation. — Greg Scruggs, Anchorage Daily News, "Co-working companies are trying to tap into customers experiencing work-from-home fatigue," 28 Feb. 2021 Investors crave clarity regarding political outcomes. — Matt Phillips, New York Times, "As the Election Looms, Investors See Uncertainty. They Don’t Like It.," 30 Sep. 2020 But the nerdy and thrifty among us still crave diesels. — John Pearley Huffman, Car and Driver, "Every New 2021 Diesel for Sale in the U.S. Today," 6 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about crave

Dictionary Entries near crave

Statistics for crave

Last Updated

8 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crave. Accessed 17 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for crave

crave

verb

English Language Learners Definition of crave

: to have a very strong desire for (something)

See the full definition for crave in the English Language Learners Dictionary

crave

verb

\ ˈkrāv

\

craved; craving

Kids Definition of crave

1 : to want greatly : long for crave chocolate The stray dog craved affection.

2 : to ask for earnestly “Sire, there is a messenger from the enemy who craves audience.”— C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

purloin

Listen to the pronunciation of purloin

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ