crave

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb crave differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of crave are covet, desire, want, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When could covet be used to replace crave?

While in some cases nearly identical to crave, covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When might desire be a better fit than crave?

The meanings of desire and crave largely overlap; however, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

When is it sensible to use want instead of crave?

Although the words want and crave have much in common, want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When can wish be used instead of crave?

The words wish and crave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crave The marketing campaign brilliantly appealed to those craving both award-worthy titles at Christmas and horror too. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025 As a stylish evolution of traditional loungewear, Miramar’s popularity rose during the pandemic, delivering the comfort consumers craved and a fresh alternative to the skinny jeans many were ready to leave behind. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025 The East promised that trifecta writers crave but rarely name outright: money, renown, and prestige, in shifting proportion. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Liv jumps into the water to flee the zombies, but suffers a scratch and wakes up on a beach in a body bag, craving brains. ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave
Verb
  • For those who do not want to lock up that firearm, Michael suggests other interventions that can help prevent suicide.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The firepit is there for anyone who just wants to cheer from the sidelines.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Buckwheat Though technically a seed, buckwheat is enjoyed in the same way as whole grains.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Francis enjoyed immense popularity with rank-and-file Catholics during his 12-year papacy but struggled with conservative church hierarchy, sometimes finding himself at odds with traditional voices within the Curia.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This is followed by a new moon in the same sign on May 26, fueling the fire and desire to express yourself, whether through hobbies, love or play.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Experts who desire to brand and present their knowledge as a service.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crave. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on crave

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