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

Plenty of consumers are going to keep craving dessert after dark. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Some people prefer thin-patty smash burgers that develop crispness from contact with the flat-top; others crave a thick bistro-style patty fresh off the flame grill. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

With its bright lights and yellow signs, Waffle House, or WaHo as fans know it, is a beloved Southern beacon for anyone making their way on a road trip or waking up on the weekend craving a comforting meal. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

No frank in Rhode Island is more famous or craved than the hot wiener. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 15 July 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