CRAVE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crave

verb

ˈkrāv

Definition of crave next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 AirPods Max excels in comfort and performance, particularly for frequent travelers or anyone craving premium noise cancellation. —

Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2025 The aim was to understand how quickly his preferences shifted when his diet changed—whether fries and chicken tenders made his taste buds crave more salt, for instance. —

Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 In some ways, Carter’s decency, which voters craved, got in the way of his governing. —

Storer H. Rowley, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025 Domino's Some will be craving a pizza on New Year's Day, and Domino's is open for delivery to meet that demand. —

Suzanne Blake, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for crave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave

Verb

Ian is unsure if Rachel would want to leave her brother.

Lincee Ray, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Dan Aykroyd, comfy in a cardigan, wants to use it to top his pudding.

The New York Times, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025