covers 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of cover
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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

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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

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covers

2 of 2

noun

plural of cover
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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?

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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

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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 covers
Verb
Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty, cold case investigations, breaking news for USA TODAY. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026 Angela George covers trending news for the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026 Based on FactSet’s definition of second-quarter reporting, which covers companies with fiscal quarters ending in May, June, or July, Nvidia and Micron are projected to be the largest contributors to the S&P 500′s overall profit growth. CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The Netflix series covers the same timespan as A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, though presumably with less doo-wop. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 Artwork by Larry Poons covers one wall, and many of Burnett’s dozen-plus Grammys line the shelves of another. Caroline Randall Williams, Architectural Digest, 27 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 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
Noun
These include styles made of hardwood and kiln-fired frames as well as easy-to-clean upholstery and covers. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026 Color color color Another month of books, another month of book covers. Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026 Cover band performs faithful covers of Journey’s iconic classic rock hits. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 On August 31, the 68-year-old singer shared behind-the-scenes snapshots on Instagram from a slew of photo shoots, including covers for Vogue Italia and Interview Magazine. Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026 Get out the sewing machine and turn the areas of favorite sheets, bedspreads, quilts, or other linens that are still in good shape into charming stockings, tote bags, pillow covers, or table runners. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 On the night, a lineup of guests performers covers of Hayes and Savage Garden songs, including including Tania Doko, Electric Fields, Meg Mac, Michael Paynter, and Sister2Sister. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 Her final studio album, 2023’s Rockstar, was a smokestack of rock and metal covers and duets. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 These include protective covers for the rear wheel and chain to keep clothing and limbs from accidentally getting entangled. ArsTechnica, 26 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
  • The formula is thick but non-greasy, and coats skin in comforting moisture that leaves you hydrated for hours.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Rinsing helps strip away the alkaline preservative film that often coats synthetic braiding hair.
    Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The death penalty in the state has largely been tied up in litigation over an agreement related to the coronavirus pandemic that defense lawyers contend temporarily shields many death row residents from execution.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The impact of food recalls The FDA issued 26 food recall notices in August, and 94% of Americans say the frequency of recalls concerns them.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Cao’s deeper subject here concerns the wagers people make on their futures and, by extension, the ways risk is deferred and abstracted in our gamified, appified, casino-like present.
    Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The snail’s diminutive size, however, conceals a massive secret.
    Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Co-created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, Blue Eye Samurai follows the story of Mizu, a samurai who conceals her gender and mixed-race heritage after facing a life of discrimination, on a personal quest for revenge.
    Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Things to do 🧑‍🍳Famous chef Roy Choi traverses Los Angeles for lobster noodles and spicy tofu.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The canal traverses the Isthmus of Suez, which is the sole land bridge between Africa and Asia.
    Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Separately, Helena Maleno, founder of the migrant rights group Walking Borders, which monitors deaths and disappearances on migration routes to Spain, reported that 83 people had died on the voyage, including three women and a baby.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Penn State researchers developed a wearable sensor that continuously monitors low rates of perspiration for lactate, a biomarker that can indicate oxygen starvation in tissues.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Check the numbers, name the boundary, and choose the workaround that protects both freedom and trust.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Strong enforcement protects consumers and competitive markets.
    Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Covers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covers. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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