Definition of covernext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5
6
7
8

cover

2 of 2

noun

1
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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

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
In addition to the main house, kitchen and barn, the site is thought to include slave quarters, likely covered by development, and a springhouse, which is the 18th-century equivalent to a refrigerator. Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 The funding also covers working capital needed to expand production. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Noun
About two decades ago, the feminist website Jezebel, in one of its first posts, offered ten thousand dollars to anyone who could provide the original, unaltered version of a recent glossy-magazine cover photo. Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 Fans of Pixies’ oddball cover versions are also well served by Complete B-Sides. Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • The Guerreros had gone to the fair’s opening ceremony to hear the President, whose rally-style speech substituted for the slew of musical artists who had backed out after learning of the event’s partisan origins.
    Andrew Trunsky, New Yorker, 11 July 2026
  • Adams started South Africa's first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Visitors reach the museum via boat, and snorkel above the sculptures, which range from groups of people to a Volkswagen coated with seaweed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Lightly coat the steaks on both sides with oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Last year, lawmakers passed a law shielding the Concord speedway and other racetracks from noise and other nuisance complaints.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • With the refinery planning an initial public offering later this year, the move to dollar pricing for local sales aims to shield it from foreign exchange risks.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Plummeting immigration is concerning, since our data suggests that immigration was the biggest contributor to Florida’s growth since 2023.
    Matt Brooks, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Bradač’s proof concerns off-diagonal Ramsey numbers, which allow for large differences between the size of a clique and the size of an independent set.
    Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Missiles and launch vehicles can remain concealed until they are needed, limiting the time during which they are exposed to satellites, aircraft, and drones.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • Even its bridal jewelry retains an element of discretion, including a small gold heart concealed inside certain bands and positioned close to the wearer.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Eustaquio chooses to cross into a central area and Bosnia clear the ball, but the idea — to draw opponents out and create an overload in one area — was sound.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The message of the Corcoran cancellation was that crossing some undefined line of decency gave the government license to come after you.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead, adopt an integration plan customized for the leader, apply the concepts of optimal distinctiveness and monitor and adjust as necessary.
    Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Even though Yates told staff of her drug use history, staff placed her in a cell where she would not be monitored for withdrawals or overdoses, the suit alleged.
    Theresa Clift July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cover

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!