covers 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of cover
1
as in substitutes
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 shields
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

covers

2 of 2

noun

plural of cover
1
as in lids
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 canopies
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 covers
Verb
The collection of patents covers a wide swath of elements associated with the rise of AI music, including moderation, watermarking, licensed distribution and monetization. Corbin Bolies, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 The settlement covers the Gill case and claims involving about 2,000 other infants, according to Abbott. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Inside, white oak covers the ceilings, walls, cabinetry, and staircases, giving the house a warm, contemporary feel. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 In addition to Southlake, Tri-County provides electric service for a large swath of Northeast Tarrant County, including parts of Keller, Colleyville, Trophy Club and Roanoke, while Oncor covers the rest of the areas. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026 According to GoodRx, a CAC scan typically costs $100 to $400 out of pocket, since insurance rarely covers it. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center covers the months of September, October and November. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 Turnout was higher for Republican primaries in the 5th Congressional District and in General Assembly races than in the 4th District race, which covers Fairfield county. Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 These days, Barker is known for the art that covers nearly every square inch of his body. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
The padded helmet covers, first introduced in practices in 2022, have become a common sight during training camp and preseason games as the NFL seeks to reduce head injuries and concussions. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Garfield remembers being fascinated by the rows of VHS tapes and the possibilities behind their covers. ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Recently, my dad discovered these non-slip couch covers that protect the upholstery on their couches from dirty paws. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Alongside a kaiseki set menu, the limited covers, sunset views and marine life moving through the water below make for an exceptional experience. Lela London, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Over the years, his pictures have been used on album covers by Big Star, Primal Scream, Spoon, Silver Jews, and others. Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 Aug. 2026 Live musicians will perform covers of songs by James Brown and Bruno Mars, while students from School of Rock perform their original pieces for attendees. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Screening cover diminishes, and the birds will almost always be in lowland covers that offer both security and food. Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 Drape it over your sofa throughout the season and refresh your space with new throw pillow covers, like the Cozy Teddy covers in the same fuzzy fabric or the luxuriously soft faux-mink covers in a similar color. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covers
Verb
  • This approach substitutes information for sensation, and reduces both human and supra-human experiences to the level of data.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • So Tuchel, who always substitutes his wingers after roughly an hour, decided to withdraw Gordon and bring on an extra defender, Ezri Konsa.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • Add the fresh corn, okra, and diced tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes break down into a sauce that coats the tender vegetables.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The Mediterranean sun, at its apex, burns as white as the signature paint that coats most Mykonian homes.
    Nick Remsen, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Homeowners selling a primary residence who meet certain IRS conditions can qualify for a tax break, known as the Section 121 exclusion, that shields up to $250,000 of profits for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly.
    Annie Nova,Sarah Agostino,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Banning corporate cross-border stablecoins shields Pretoria’s currency controls at the direct expense of corporate productivity.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Urgent Matter reports that the dispute concerns a preservation easement on the nineteen-story building, Frank Lloyd Wright‘s only skyscraper, completed in 1956, and located forty-five miles north of Tulsa.
    News Desk, Artforum, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The three-level promoter structure applies regardless of whether the change concerns a new product, new service, or internal process innovation.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout the Gospels, Jesus initially conceals his identity as the Messiah from even his closest disciples.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • And to maintain the appearance of a conventional hardtail, the chassis uses Harley's Softail platform, which conveniently conceals the rear suspension.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • The canal traverses the Isthmus of Suez, which is the sole land bridge between Africa and Asia.
    Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026
  • How to Get There The city of Glenwood Springs is built around Interstate 70, a major highway that traverses the state.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Insulin Resistance Trends monitors your heart rhythm, daily movement, and sleep quality, and uses AI to assess how well your body absorbs and uses energy.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Its drones use onboard cameras and sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles through a Detect-and-Avoid system that independently monitors surrounding airspace.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The indiscriminate nature of the data collection, Garvie says, also raises concerns that the cameras violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from being searched unreasonably.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
  • One dose of measles vaccine protects most people from the disease, but two doses are recommended to improve effectiveness.
    Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Covers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covers. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on covers

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster