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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)

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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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cover (up)

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verb (2)

cover-up

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noun (2)

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
But most of the network’s funds cover everyday production costs, including salaries for a small newsroom and production for hyperlocal stories: updates on waste-management contracts, interviews with local musicians, searches for lost animals. Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025 Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Long a cult figure best known for cover versions of his songs by the way-different likes of Kenny Rogers and Madness, Labi Siffre has lately undergone a Nick Drake-like moment. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025 Directed by Henry-Alex Rubin and produced by Smuggler, the film is set to a thrash metal cover of Irving Berlin’s Blue Skies. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
Like Elizabeth, Angela paired the look with a white cover-up, but chose the short-sleeve Eleni Kaftan ($164) instead. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025 There’s a black knit dress that works double duty as a beach cover-up and a fancy frock for dinners out. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cover

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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