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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 However, those craving quiet may find the hustle and bustling a little disarming, despite the silence of the hallways. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 As tasks become increasingly automated, employees will crave genuine connection. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 While my mother craved some small-stakes adventure, my father was set in his ways, his patterns, his routine. — Kyle MacLachlan, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026 But even when George was kissing off the pop audience, people craved more and more of him. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave

Verb

Rukhsar went to the set every day because her father wanted her there.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of want

Verb

People went through the admission and security checkpoints without issues, and the event’s early evening acts enjoyed mostly dry stages with light, intermittent rain.

— Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Patel seemed to enjoy the process, even though many people did not answer their doors and most of those who did had not heard about the election at all.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoy

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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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of crave

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