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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
That warning covers part of the Park Range, including Mount Zirkel and Rabbit Ears Pass. Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026 The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
The high cost of LPs means that young music connoisseurs only buy when the cover has as much appeal as the music. Luba Kassova, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 Remove covers during the day so plants don't overheat in the sun. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • Prize is not transferable, and no substitution may be made, except by CBS who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize or portion of the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the CBS in its sole discretion.
    CBS News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Young Man in a Hurry substitutes status anxiety for race.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The result is often rich, sensorial textures that rinse clean, boost elasticity and shine, and leave hair bouncy (not flat or coated).
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • When you’re done, the surface should be coated with just a light touch of oil that adds to its shine without feeling greasy.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There have been several campus changes since then, including a ban on using masks to shield identity while breaking campus policies — including overnight encampments without permits.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • A bit farther back, beneath a canopy that shielded them only partly from the blazing sun, those too young to retire stood shoulder to shoulder.
    Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Council also approved a resolution adopting a social media policy concerning comments posted on the town’s Facebook page.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Yet, still, the president’s comments have concerned elections officials on both sides of the aisle.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The candidate diverted funds for personal use, including Las Vegas trips and legal defense against a stalking charge, channeling money through his mother and a friend to conceal the fraud.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The overall profits conceal significant variation.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Its Jupiter-crossing orbit leads to gravitational interactions, precipitating a future ejection in 2098.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The three major airlines that operate at those airports -- Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad -- typically have about 90,000 passengers per day crossing through those hubs and even more travelers headed to destinations in the Middle East, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
    CARA RUBINSKY, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Auditors also identified deficiencies in payments to bus contractors and found WCPS did not adequately monitor the performance of its third-party administrator, which manages employee health care claims.
    Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026
  • These systems can also be managed from your phone, allowing homeowners to monitor water use and make adjustments without ever stepping outside.
    Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Here's what to know about colorectal cancer -- at any age -- and how to protect yourself.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Practice a script that protects your needs and honors your generous spirit.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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