crave

verb

\ ˈkrāv

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

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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

This is safe, but lacks the authenticity investors crave. — John D. Stoll, WSJ, "Apple and the Art of Guidance," 5 Jan. 2019 But while a part of me enjoys the brightness and beauty of, say, The Great British Baking Show, or the sharpness and kindness of Schitt’s Creek or The Good Place, an even bigger part has come to crave their artistic opposites. — Anne T. Donahue, Marie Claire, "In 2018, Horror Movies Are the Most Comforting Things I Watch," 19 Nov. 2018 The warmer months aren’t the only time your body craves hydration. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "We Asked Derms How to Keep Dry Lips Moisturized During Winter and Here’s What They Told Us," 11 Dec. 2018 That means the gaming monitor can refresh all of the graphics on its screen at a rate of 144 times per second, providing those smooth graphics gamers crave. — Stefan Etienne, The Verge, "MSI Oculux NXG251 monitor review: faster isn’t always better," 29 Nov. 2018 Discount stores like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx have seen a spike in sales, even in the face of declining retail, signaling that shoppers crave value more than ever. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Italic sells brandless luxury goods from manufactures for Celine, Prada, and Gucci.," 15 Nov. 2018 Catering to a new old age focused on a less-sedentary lifestyle—one that craves design—developers are building more active communities and downtown condos. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Senior housing: Older Americans face affordability, accessibility challenges," 14 Nov. 2018 For those still craving more after History's 10-episode The Bible, check out its 371-minute miniseries predecessor directed by Franco Zeffirelli. — Zoe Haylock, The Hollywood Reporter, "Diogo Morgado, 'The Bible and Son of God' (2013)," 1 Apr. 2018 Celebrities, bloggers, and beauty editors (not to mention everyday folks who crave a clear complexion, too) rely on aestheticians for balanced, soothed skin that glows — without the highlighter. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Six Top Aestheticians Share Their Skin-Care Routines," 23 Sep. 2018

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.