Synonyms of crave

crave

verb

ˈkrāv 

as in to want

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy

craves ice cream at all hours of the day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• want
• enjoy
• desire
• covet
• love
• like
• wish (for)
• die (for)
• long (for)
• prefer
• pine (for)
• thirst (for)
• itch (for)
• salivate (for)
• hunger (for)
• lust (for or after)
• yearn (for)
• sigh (for)
• hanker (for or after)
• repine (for)
• pant (after)
• yen (for)
• jones (for)
• relish
• ache (for)
• desiderate
• admire
• set one's heart on
• spoil (for)
• adore
• fancy
• appreciate
• delight (in)
• groove (on)
• dig
• revel (in)
• cherish
• favor
• value
• treasure
• prize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• loathe
• detest
• abhor
• refuse
• reject
• spurn
• decline
• abominate
• execrate

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

Recent Examples of crave

Emily said Ryan rarely had time to himself and had probably been craving some solitude on the lake. —Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025

The heart craves what feels like home, Leo. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Isn’t that what many of us are craving from a vacation these days? —Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

His promise to protect immigrants through legal defense funding and sanctuary-style policies galvanized immigrant communities craving representation and security. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025