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 It’s located right on Route 66 and has that throwback feel road-trippers crave, with heated outdoor pools, fire pits, loaner bikes, and lawn games. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Oddly drawn to disconnect, horror fans crave novel experiences that feel both startling and strangely familiar. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 With Jupiter entering your 5th House of Creativity and Play, bold ideas crave a bigger stage and friendlier audiences. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 Sometimes people who mutually crave admiration from each other also have romantic feelings. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crave

Verb

With potentially record-breaking heat coming to Washington, DC on the Fourth of July, people wanting to catch fireworks by saving an early spot on the National Mall will have a lot of waiting to do.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
And who wouldn’t want to stay a good long while here—especially to take maximum advantage of that 16,000-square-foot spa?

— Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Definition of want

Verb

Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
With estimated sales totaling €32 billion and a growth rate between 4-6% for 2025, jewelry seems to be enjoying its brightest summer yet.

— Milena Martins-Alexandre, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Definition of enjoy

Browse Nearby Words

crates

crave

craved

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“Crave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crave. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of crave

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