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
as in coats
to form a layer over
by morning a foot of snow covered the ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in concerns
to have (something) as a subject matter
this section of the book covers kitchen makeovers for the enterprising do-it-yourselfer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in conceals
to keep secret or shut off from view
covered the foxhole with grass and leaves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in traverses
to make one's way through, across, or over
we usually manage to cover a lot of ground in a single day
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in monitors
to pay continued close attention to (something) for a particular purpose
I'll cover the reception desk while you take a break
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
covered the wounded soldier until he could be rescued from the downed chopper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in safeguards
means or method of defending
provided cover while their comrades ran for safety
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sheaths
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
put the restaurant menus in clear plastic covers so that they would last longer
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in replacements
a person or thing that takes the place of another
people may only skip their shifts if they find a cover for themselves first
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in shrouds
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
under cover of friendship the con man insinuated himself in the lives of the unsuspecting couple
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of covers
Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
The Post also floated the idea that lightweight manhole covers — plastic or fiberglass — that have in some places replaced cast-iron ones and require a latch to stay in place are more prone to being dislodged, and that this perhaps was to blame.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026
Since this column covers podcasting, the best way to understand Spotify’s origins and growth cycle is through a podcast, specifically Business Wars.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Chris Richards, from Alabama, is an uncompromising defender whose Afro towers above the back line and whose lankiness masks a quickness that covers gaps in the American half.
—Leander Schaerlaeckens, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
The Big Wood River Subbasin, which covers 1,500 square miles in the mountains of Blaine, Lincoln, Camas and Gooding counties, has enough water for about 40-45 days of irrigation, according to Whorton.
—Mark Dee
may 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2026
The force covers the area west of London where Mountbatten-Windsor lived for many years.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
The union has been trying to get the company to adopt the National Oil Bargaining Program that currently covers more than 30,000 USW oil workers at dozens of employers in more than 200 bargaining units.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers invasive species, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026
Officials said that when questioned upon rescue by the Harbor Master in Cartagena, Spain, the boat captain revealed that the well covers were nuclear components.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
There’s a parade of VHS covers, marketing materials, merchandising tie-ins, declining box office reports, and inevitably, a flurry of blogs both detailing the series’ homophobia and transphobia, and attempting to reclaim it.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 13 May 2026
There were crystal balls and books in plastic covers on weighty furniture.
—Curbed Editors, Curbed, 13 May 2026
For decades, Michelle Obama and ESSENCE have existed in conversation with one another—through magazine covers, keynote interviews, and cultural moments that stretched far beyond politics and into the emotional fabric of Black life.
—Essence, 13 May 2026
This leads to communal warmth under the covers, though not in any romantic way, the sanctuary of companionship is what these two share.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The Spanish investigation analyzes the unlikely choice of a round-the-world boat trip to deliver a cargo of two cranes, 100 empty containers and two large manhole covers, sailing from one Russian port to another, despite the extensive rail network that spans the country.
—Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Below, see the four Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 covers.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
The deal covers around 1,500 Teamsters members, including drivers, animal trainers and wranglers, chef assistants and location scouts and managers.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
The Post also floated the idea that lightweight manhole covers — plastic or fiberglass — that have in some places replaced cast-iron ones and require a latch to stay in place are more prone to being dislodged, and that this perhaps was to blame.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 22 May 2026
Since this column covers podcasting, the best way to understand Spotify’s origins and growth cycle is through a podcast, specifically Business Wars.
—Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Chris Richards, from Alabama, is an uncompromising defender whose Afro towers above the back line and whose lankiness masks a quickness that covers gaps in the American half.
—Leander Schaerlaeckens, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
The Big Wood River Subbasin, which covers 1,500 square miles in the mountains of Blaine, Lincoln, Camas and Gooding counties, has enough water for about 40-45 days of irrigation, according to Whorton.
—Mark Dee
may 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2026
The force covers the area west of London where Mountbatten-Windsor lived for many years.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
The union has been trying to get the company to adopt the National Oil Bargaining Program that currently covers more than 30,000 USW oil workers at dozens of employers in more than 200 bargaining units.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers invasive species, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
Getting covers and shades for windows is another way to keep heat from absorbing into your home, the federal energy agency said.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 14 May 2026
Officials said that when questioned upon rescue by the Harbor Master in Cartagena, Spain, the boat captain revealed that the well covers were nuclear components.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
There’s a parade of VHS covers, marketing materials, merchandising tie-ins, declining box office reports, and inevitably, a flurry of blogs both detailing the series’ homophobia and transphobia, and attempting to reclaim it.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 13 May 2026
There were crystal balls and books in plastic covers on weighty furniture.
—Curbed Editors, Curbed, 13 May 2026
For decades, Michelle Obama and ESSENCE have existed in conversation with one another—through magazine covers, keynote interviews, and cultural moments that stretched far beyond politics and into the emotional fabric of Black life.
—Essence, 13 May 2026
This leads to communal warmth under the covers, though not in any romantic way, the sanctuary of companionship is what these two share.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The Spanish investigation analyzes the unlikely choice of a round-the-world boat trip to deliver a cargo of two cranes, 100 empty containers and two large manhole covers, sailing from one Russian port to another, despite the extensive rail network that spans the country.
—Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Below, see the four Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 covers.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covers
Verb
-
It is offered as rationale for below-market compensation, as though mission alignment is a form of currency that substitutes for pay.—
Charles Stanton,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
The brand partially substitutes sugar with stevia and erythritol.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
So c’mon, Bron; pull a couple of those Cleveland coats out of storage and give yourself one more real chance in Minnesota.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
This gel-like substance coats your gut and binds to cholesterol, preventing it from entering your bloodstream.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp or lightweight shelter that shields you from the elements can help if severe weather occurs or your plan takes a turn.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That’s typically about the prestige of nations, but Trump is not a typical leader and the prestige largely concerns himself.—
Marc Champion,
Twin Cities,
20 May 2026
-
Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, tells me what concerns him about this power struggle.—
Benjamin Guggenheim,
Washington Post,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
In Vidal’s telling, the trashy sensationalism of Hearst’s proto-clickbait conceals a tremendous political power.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
While the joy of the wedding barely conceals an undercurrent of pain, that scene infuses the film with a jolt of energy, helping the viewer to exhale for the first time.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The highway traverses the ancestral homelands of more than 25 tribal nations.—
Jasmine Desiree,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Over an efficient five tracks, West traverses the sonic styles of her generation — from nu-metal riffs to rage-rap 808s — with dazzling confidence.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
That is why the park service closely monitors the health of the Torrey pines.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
-
Who monitors decisions involving the individuals going forward?—
William Phillips,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Car insurance protects you and other drivers from accidents, and it’s legally required for all drivers.—
Kate Tully Ellsworth,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
Those laws sought to alter the reporting structure for the secretary or the directors in violation of Amendment 33 of the Arkansas Constitution, which protects the vested powers of constitutional boards, like the Board of Corrections, from usurpation by the governor, the General Assembly or both.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Covers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covers. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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