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Definition of covernext
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as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only a friend covered for me as a hospital volunteer while my family went on vacation

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as in to shield
to place a protective layer over better cover your skin with sunblock if you don't want a sunburn, not to mention skin cancer

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cover

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noun

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as in lid
a piece placed over an open container to hold in, protect, or conceal its contents where's the cover for the cookie jar?

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as in roof
a raised covering over something for decoration or protection all of the exhibits at the fair are under cover, so the weather won't be a factor

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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 cover
Verb
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 Paraguay scored early, then lost Miguel Almiron to a red card for covering his mouth — a first — but remained resilient enough to bounce back. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
The only exception is a July 15 appearance by Common Area Maintenance, a group of daytime real estate professionals who bring a variety of cover songs by different artists to the stage for their show. Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Stone said temperatures in the area are typically at least 5-8 degrees warmer than in neighborhoods with ample tree cover, like Grant Park and Virginia-Highland. Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • Pulisic has not played since being substituted at halftime in the win over Paraguay after feeling discomfort in his left calf.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Mold still coats the walls along with holes in the ceiling.
    Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • The original is coated in dark chocolate, though there is also now a milk chocolate version on shelves.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Her sister lay on top of her to try to shield her from danger, Eixenberger said.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • Unlike some other luggage tags, this option only displays your name, keeping the rest of your information shielded from curious onlookers and potential thieves.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • One of the increasingly concerning threats is drones, which can be piloted remotely and are difficult to disable.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The defendants and their co-conspirators—which included tax, accounting and financial industry professionals, and law firms—worked to design, implement and defend the tax shelter transactions in ways intended to conceal the true facts and circumstances of the transactions from the IRS.
    Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • One of the defendants, Daniel Sanchez Estrada, was convicted of corruptly concealing a document and conspiracy to conceal documents.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • After Florian Wirtz crossed in from the left side of the pitch, Kai Havertz got just enough of his head on the ball to flick it into the far side of the goal.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Vic examines the game’s boundaries and repeatedly crosses them, while mostly failing to keep a straight face.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • And a final deal that lacks stringent verification procedures to monitor Iran’s compliance will not be worth the paper that it’s printed on.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Its temperature sensor also monitors room temperature and adjusts airflow to ensure the home is never too hot or too cold.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • In the final months of pregnancy, the testicles descend through a passage called the inguinal canal to land in the scrotum, the pouch that protects them for the rest of a man’s life.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • This shampoo and conditioner are designed to strengthen and protect hair health while reducing frizz and split ends.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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