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

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?

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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
The lesson was that one journalist who genuinely covers your space is worth more than 50 cold sends. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Noun
In their early days, the Stones performed rhythm and blues covers and were led by Jones, who named the band and crafted their sound and image. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 Both men duck for cover while the camera records other bystanders scrambling over a fence to get away from the threat. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • Sunmaxxing itself is free, but a commercial layer has formed around tracking it, coaching it or substituting for it when the sun is not cooperating.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • If entry-level consultants, lawyers, and financial analysts were being systematically substituted out at the pace Amodei described to 60 Minutes in November 2025, McCrory’s occupation-level unemployment data should already show some divergence.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Shag carpet covered original terra-cotta floors, high-gloss paint coated nearly every wooden surface and overgrown weeds crowded the yard.
    R. Daniel Foster, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • They’re formed when a grain of grit enters an oyster’s shell, and the mollusk coats that irritant with layer after layer of nacre.
    ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • And because of domain registration companies that shield their customers’ information, who runs the sites or where the money is going is not clear.
    Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
  • Federal law enforcement agencies are generally shielded from legal liability, but there are some exceptions, including some claims of employee negligence.
    CYBELE MAYES-OSTERMAN, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Patel arrived in Jakarta shortly after talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet concerning joint efforts to combat international online scam operations that cheat victims out of billions of dollars annually.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Advertisement Steve Swope, another Coweta County resident, relies on wellwater, and is concerned that the construction of the data center could damage septic tanks or leak into the groundwater.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Familiar-looking exposures can conceal the fact that every asset in the portfolio is quietly leaning on the same assumption.
    Andrew Sukhin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Indoor planters and popcorn ceilings are often concealing water damage and structural issues.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • This is only the second lottery prize to cross the $650 million mark so far this year, behind only the ongoing Mega Millions jackpot.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Just running around wearing cloaks, slinking into and out of castles, slicing the throats of all who cross her.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Health officials in Taiwan reported an increase in COVID activity there, and were monitoring increasing viral activity in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and China, according to the island’s Central News Agency.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • Overnight, the Galaxy Watch can listen for snoring (when paired with a nearby Samsung phone) and monitor for sleep apnea.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Across more than 400,000 acres, water, fire, peat and time continue to shape an intact wetland, reminding us that conservation is about protecting the natural systems that sustain life itself.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Name the conflict plainly, offer realistic timing, and protect the commitment that matters most today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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