Crave is a verbA word that describes an action, state, or occurrence. with two main meanings. Most often, it means to want something very stronglyWith great force or intensity; very much., especially food, drink, or something you feel you need. It can also mean to ask for something very earnestlyIn a serious, sincere, and very determined way..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kreɪv/
Easy pronunciation: KRAYV (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable; the stress is on the only syllable.
Used in the sense of to want something very much.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Crave Meaning
to want something very much
Part of speech: verb
Definition: have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
Example: After the hike, I craved a cold drink.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- hunger — Works well in the sense of strong desire or need, though it is less common in everyday use as a direct substitute.
- thirst — Can fit this sense when the craving is strong and intense, especially for something desired deeply.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Crave
Meaning 2
to ask for something strongly and sincerely
Part of speech: verb
Definition: plead or ask for earnestly
Example: He craved forgiveness from his family.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Crave Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- hunger
- thirst
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use crave for the idea of starvation or lack of food; the meaning is about strong desire.
- Do not mix up the two senses: craving something and earnestly asking for something are related but not the same.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does crave mean?
Crave usually means to want something very strongly, especially food, drink, or some other desired thing. It can also mean to ask for something earnestly.
What is a simple synonym for crave?
A simple synonym for crave is want very much, though exact substitutes depend on the sense.
Is crave always about food?
No. It often appears with food or drink, but it can also describe a strong desire for many other things, or an earnest request.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
