craving
6 synonyms for craving, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong, persistent desire for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use craving
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sugar craving
satisfy a craving
intense craving
Etymology
From crave + the suffix -ing, turning the verb into a noun for the feeling itself.
Full origin of craving →Frequently asked questions
What does “craving” mean?
The word “craving” means a strong, persistent desire for something. In plain terms, a powerful urge or longing for something, often food or a habit.
How do you pronounce “craving”?
“Craving” is pronounced KRAY-vihng (/ˈkɹeɪ.vɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “craving” in a sentence?
Here is “craving” used in a sentence: “She had a sudden craving for salty snacks.”
What part of speech is “craving”?
“Craving” is a noun.
Is “craving” a common word?
“Craving” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between a craving and a want?
A want is a general desire for something, while a craving is a strong, persistent, and often hard-to-ignore desire, frequently associated with food, drink, or habitual pleasures. Cravings tend to feel more urgent and physically insistent than an ordinary want.
Are cravings always about food?
No, although craving is very often used for food, such as a craving for chocolate, it can describe a strong persistent desire for anything, including attention, affection, or excitement. The word itself is not limited to appetite; it simply signals intensity and persistence of desire.
What is the difference between a craving and an addiction?
A craving is a strong desire for something, whereas addiction refers to a compulsive dependency that often produces cravings as one of its symptoms. Not every craving indicates addiction, but persistent, hard-to-resist cravings are commonly associated with addictive patterns.
