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

Aqua Expeditions Specializing in lavish small‑ship voyages to some of the planet’s most pristine and remote waters, Aqua Expeditions’ newest vessel, Aqua Lares, is a 77‑meter expedition superyacht designed for adventurous travelers who crave a high dose of comfort with their outdoor escapades. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026

Starfleet Academy left you craving more Trek? —Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026

For retail therapy, the hotel is mere metres from Via dei Condotti, where designer flagships beckon customers craving haute couture, while Via del Corso offers a livelier, high-street passeggiata. —Vicki Power, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026

Still, Burke needs to show the bend and quick burst that the scouts crave from a modern edge rusher, which makes his performance at Tuesday's pro day especially important. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 23 Mar. 2026