crave

verb

ˈkrāv 

craved; craving

transitive verb

1

: to ask for earnestly : beg, demand

crave a pardon for neglect

2

a

: 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

craver noun

Synonyms

• want
• enjoy
• desire

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

Men in their 40s often feel alone and crave the nurturing of a mature woman. —Linsey Hughes, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025

While Gaines’ own attempt didn’t go as planned this time, the recipe remains a tried-and-true favorite for anyone craving a classic chocolate layer cake. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

With employees consistently craving challenge and purpose, the Great Lock In offers a chance to revisit career goals, build momentum and finish the year stronger, whether that means preparing for a promotion, exploring a career pivot or taking first steps toward a side hustle. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

More than 60 percent of young fans crave this virtual connection and want updates that go far beyond the box score. —Tristan Thompson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja to crave, demand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for crave

• brave
• cave
• clave
• fave
• gave
• grave
• knave
• lave
• nave
• pave
• rave
• shave

Kids Definition

crave

verb

ˈkrāv 

craved; craving

1

: to ask earnestly : beg

crave a person's pardon

2

: to have a strong desire for

crave a glass of water

crave affection