covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ ˈkəv-nənt

, ˈkə-və- \

Definition of covenant

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : compact … international law, which depends upon the sanctity of covenants between rulers.— George H. Sabine

2a : a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action the deed conveying the land contained restrictive covenants

b : the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract

covenant

verb

cov·e·nant | \ ˈkəv-nənt

, -ˌnant, ˈkə-və- \

covenanted; covenanting; covenants

Definition of covenant (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to promise by a covenant : pledge

intransitive verb

: to enter into a covenant : contract

Other Words from covenant Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About covenant

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Synonyms & Antonyms for covenant

Synonyms: Noun

Synonyms: Verb

Antonyms: Verb

disagree

Examples of covenant in a Sentence

Noun an international covenant on human rights The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall. Verb a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent of covenanting with himself the home buyers had to covenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The film stars Taissa Farmiga, Vera Farmiga’s younger sister, as a novitiate in 1952 who is sent by the Vatican to investigate a Romanian covenant following the suicide of one of its nuns. — Lillian Brown, Vulture, 3 June 2021 Throughout the last year, legal scholars have told the Star Tribune that including a binding covenant like that in a sale would be tricky to enforce in court. — Chris Hine, Star Tribune, 27 May 2021 Jesus sacrificed his life to confirm a new covenant of love and mercy. — baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 23 Apr. 2021 After a lawyer volunteering with Just Deeds filed the necessary paperwork, the title now shows that the covenant was discharged. — Erica Pearson, Star Tribune, 6 Apr. 2021 Without some kind of restrictive legal covenant covering his giving, Huntsman seems to have little redress in clawing the money back. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Apr. 2021 Though privately owned, Hillside Villa’s 124 apartments were developed through a combination of subsidized loans and tax breaks, tied to a 30-year covenant to keep rents low. — Tracy Jeanne Rosenthal, The New Republic, 2 Apr. 2021 In Timonium, issues over noise levels from live music at Hightopps Backstage Grille spurred the nearby Stratford community to execute a covenant with bar operators in August last year. — Taylor Deville, baltimoresun.com, 22 Mar. 2021 Unlike Avraham who limits the covenantal blessing to Yitzchak, and Yitzchak who limits the covenantal blessing to Ya’akov, Ya’akov includes all of his sons in the covenant. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, sun-sentinel.com, 8 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb USA TODAY NETWORK LOS ANGELES — Alien: Covenant edged out Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in a weekend space battle at the box office. — Sandy Cohen, USA TODAY, 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'covenant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Covenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 25 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for covenant

covenant

noun

English Language Learners Definition of covenant

formal : a formal and serious agreement or promise

law : a formal written agreement between two or more people, businesses, countries, etc.

See the full definition for covenant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ ˈkə-və-nənt

Kids Definition of covenant

: a formal or serious agreement or promise the covenant of marriage

covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ ˈkə-və-nənt

Legal Definition of covenant

1 : an official agreement or compact an international covenant on human rights

2a : a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act a covenant not to sue specifically : a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property — see also covenant not to compete, restrictive covenant

b : a warranty in a deed assuring the grantee especially against defects in title a covenant for quiet enjoyment — see also run

3 : a common-law action to recover damages for breach of a contract under seal — compare assumpsit, debt