1
as in treaties
a formal agreement between two or more nations or peoples
the two countries signed a peace covenant that, it was hoped, would put an end to decades of bitter conflict
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in contracts
a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation
I had to sign a covenant that I would return the rental car on time
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in agreements
an arrangement about action to be taken
the covenant that existed among neighbors in olden times whereby they would quickly respond to the call to help put out one another's house fires
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in bargains
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promises
to make a solemn declaration of intent
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of covenants
Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Once inhabited by some of the city’s wealthiest families, Troost was the target of restrictive covenants in the early 20th century that drew a distinct line of separation.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Despite racial covenants, redlining, urban renewal, and blockbusting, the Brown family managed to purchase their first home in 1950.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Most of the associations are nonprofits governed by covenants and a board of homeowners elected by the other homeowners.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Lenders will demand stricter terms, higher coupons, and tighter covenants.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Once inhabited by some of the city’s wealthiest families, Troost was the target of restrictive covenants in the early 20th century that drew a distinct line of separation.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Despite racial covenants, redlining, urban renewal, and blockbusting, the Brown family managed to purchase their first home in 1950.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Most of the associations are nonprofits governed by covenants and a board of homeowners elected by the other homeowners.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covenants
Noun
-
Hunting regulations and migratory bird treaties have also been key.—
Tom Langen,
The Conversation,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Yes, the more nuclear treaties the better.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That promise now feels increasingly tenuous; few of the permanent employees have been hired yet, the complex is still under construction, and most of the workforce are transient staff on temporary visas or contracts – like the ones swept up by ICE.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In 2022, the Pentagon awarded contracts for the first 154 operational spacecraft, including the ones launched Wednesday.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
These agreements phased out the majority of ozone-depleting substances.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Some companies may have collective bargaining agreements, but the First Amendment does not apply to private employers.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Oscar nominee and Lord of the Rings alum Astin will have quite the task ahead of them at the top of next year as SAG-AFTRA returns to the negotiating table with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which collectively bargains on behalf of the major Hollywood studios.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which bargains union contracts on behalf of studios and streamers, was very quick to send a statement on Friday about the election results.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As the rest of America adjusts to Homelander’s iron fist, back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean (Hamish Linklater) preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The platform promises to address complaints faster and make the process more transparent.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Shorter than a typical first-look deal, the mini pacts usually cover the development of a couple of projects and expire when either the set number of scripts have been completed or the deal’s term has come to an end — whatever comes first.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
-
So despite industry complaints that surfaced during the coronavirus pandemic and the rise of a group of rival upstarts that have struck a series of measurement pacts with advertisers, media agencies and TV companies, Nielsen’s work remains the sector standard.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That said, there are no guarantees, and you could still get bumped.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Sep. 2025
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The incidents come at a time of stark confrontation between Russia and France, with French President Emmanuel Macron a vocal supporter of robust security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any potential peace deal.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Focus your upfront energy on creating templates and naming conventions.—
Dmitrii Fadeev,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
My friend replies that unfortunately the subject is probably affiliated more closely with legal history now and therefore part of those courses, because the conventions of international law don’t seem to apply anymore.—
Sara Stridsberg
September 15,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Covenants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covenants. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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