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

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 One way to think about Christian higher education is as a covenant, a set of binding boundaries that defines each community, within which there is room to disagree, explore, and debate. — Emma Green, The New Yorker, 30 June 2022 That broke the covenant of trust between the storyteller and the listener. — Paula Woods, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2022 In Judaism, rainbows serve as a reminder of the covenant God made with Noah to never again destroy the Earth. — Deborah Netburnstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2022 Ten percent of the total units, or 180 units, will be restricted by covenant for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2022 The October 2021 complaint argued that the company breached the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, violated the Franchise Investment Protection Act and violated the Consumer Protection Act. — Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 1 June 2022 This, to me, was the point of the whole covenant, of faith and fandom itself. — New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022 The restrictions limited the activity on the campus and also made sure that the campus would be open as a community resource for the fifty years that the covenant covered. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2022 Call it a hybrid work covenant, and everybody has to sign on. — Alexandra Samuel, WSJ, 17 May 2022 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 See More

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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Dictionary Entries Near covenant

coven

covenant

covenantee

Statistics for covenant

Last Updated

4 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Covenant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for covenant

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