Synonym Chooser

How does the verb covet differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of covet are crave, desire, want, and wish. While all these words mean "to have a longing for," covet implies strong envious desire.

covets his rise to fame

When is crave a more appropriate choice than covet?

The synonyms crave and covet are sometimes interchangeable, but crave stresses the force of physical appetite or emotional need.

craves sweets

When is it sensible to use desire instead of covet?

The words desire and covet are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, desire stresses the strength of feeling and often implies strong intention or aim.

desires to start a new life

When might want be a better fit than covet?

While the synonyms want and covet are close in meaning, want specifically suggests a felt need or lack.

wants to have a family

When could wish be used to replace covet?

In some situations, the words wish and covet are roughly equivalent. However, wish sometimes implies a general or transient longing especially for the unattainable.

wishes for permanent world peace

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 covet Like all of Dorsey’s offerings, there’s a treasure for everyone to covet. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025 Competitors form alliances and covet immunity idols to advance in a competition where brutal blindsides are always on the table any time the losing tribe goes to Tribal Council. Steve Helling, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Rozeboom, though, knows the defense, and that’s likely to be coveted by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who has a relatively intricate system. Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for covet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet
Verb
  • Forced to become a bloodsucker as part of Bill's punishment for vanquishing another, Deborah Ann Woll's Jessica struggles with her new, flesh-craving lifestyle.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The film benefits from its avoidance of a too-tidy, sentimental outcome, even if some in the audience might be left craving one.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even if Schottenheimer wants to deny it, a lot of the grit that players and the owner pointed to that was shown in the game goes right back to him.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The purpose of Villa’s deep build-up is to coax opponents into pressing or, as in chess, move into positions Emery wants them, opening passing lanes into his attacking midfielders.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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