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 Young billionaire cofounder of Scale AI, Lucy Guo says anyone who craves work-life balance may have the wrong job. Brit Morse, Fortune, 25 June 2025 Its silky-balm texture is gentle enough to be used on the face, hands and anywhere your skin craves nourishment. Samantha Mims, Essence, 23 June 2025 Looking around the arena and seeing most fans seated and engaged for all four games, Ice Cube, players and fans were in agreement: Baltimore craves and embraces basketball — and the league is sure to return. Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025 People crave connection, especially when everything feels automated. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for crave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave
Verb
  • Trump also wants the Federal Reserve to lower rates, another goal that would be set back by higher inflation.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • And, despite depending solely on word-of-satisfied-mouths to promote the sauce, lots of people wanted it and want it still.
    Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • This is fantastic news for parents and kids who can now get in plenty of cannonball practice, as well as the Chicagoans who enjoy swimming a few laps out of doors.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • There was no seating plan or order of the day—guests were free to enjoy the event at their own pace.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Add Kosher Dill Pickle coins or fruit slices, if desired.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • But the question for the world, does the regime still desire to make a nuclear weapon?
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on crave

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!