crave

verb

ˈkrāv How to pronounce crave (audio)
craved; craving
Synonyms of crave

transitive verb

1
: to ask for earnestly : beg, demand
crave a pardon for neglect
2
a
: to want greatly : need
craves drugs
craves attention
b
: to yearn for
crave a vanished youth

intransitive verb

: to have a strong or inward desire
craves after affection
craver noun

Synonyms of crave

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Choose the Right Synonym for crave

desire, wish, want, crave, covet mean to have a longing for.

desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

Examples of crave in a Sentence

Like many celebrities, he craves attention. I was craving french fries, so I pulled into the nearest fast-food restaurant.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This is a vehicle for anyone craving intense driving dynamics from an unusual, innovative machine that blends a car’s stability with much of the excitement and exposure of a motorcycle. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Hopefully his play on the field can return some joy to fans who are craving it. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 People seem to be craving the scent of something cooling and quenching, an olfactive promise that less oppressive weather lies ahead. — April Long, Allure, 27 Aug. 2026 The discomfort often has less to do with craving a drink and more to do with how deeply drinking is woven into adult social life. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crave

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English crafian; akin to Old Norse krefja to crave, demand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crave was before the 12th century

Rhymes for crave

See All Rhymes for crave

Browse Nearby Words

cravat
crave
craven
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crave. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crave

verb
ˈkrāv How to pronounce crave (audio)
craved; craving
1
: to ask earnestly : beg
crave a person's pardon
2
: to have a strong desire for
crave a glass of water
crave affection
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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