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

as in to want

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy craves ice cream at all hours of the day

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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 Residents crave open space in a neighborhood that’s become Miami’s concrete jungle. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Having said that, this celestial season is a call to create more room for the parts of yourself that crave joy and fun. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 After games, watch out for the players craving french fries at Newbury Park and knowing someone to seek out who can help. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The success of the aforementioned movies indicates, if nothing else, that audiences are craving something fresh and different. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave

Verb

With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.

— Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of want

Verb

City juggled negotiations with Gakpo and Ndiaye in the past seven days, enabling them to flit between the two depending on who was most desired or, in the event, most realistic.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Step 4 Slide omelet out onto a plate and serve with Dijon mustard if desired.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of desire

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crates

crave

craved

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“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crave. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crave

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