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 of crave

• 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

After the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s, leaving the island came with serious risk for players craving the opportunity to showcase their talent on baseball’s biggest stage. —Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Young kids also crave consistency. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026

Whether your family craves a beach escape, a city full of new experiences, or something scenic and low-key, these destinations are easy to book, surprisingly affordable, and genuinely worth the spontaneity. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026

Planted next to a moisture-craving plant like cucumbers can cause the plants to compete for moisture and nutrients. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

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