Synonyms of covet

covet

verb

ˈkə-vət 

as in to crave

to have an earnest wish to own or enjoy

I've been coveting that sleek sports car in the showroom for some time now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crave
• want
• desire
• enjoy
• love
• like
• pine (for)
• long (for)
• die (for)
• lust (for or after)
• wish (for)
• pant (after)
• repine (for)
• prefer
• hunger (for)
• sigh (for)
• salivate (for)
• itch (for)
• thirst (for)
• hanker (for or after)
• desiderate
• ache (for)
• yen (for)
• jones (for)
• yearn (for)
• admire
• relish
• set one's heart on
• adore
• spoil (for)
• fancy
• groove (on)
• delight (in)
• treasure
• cherish
• appreciate
• favor
• dig
• revel (in)
• value
• prize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• refuse
• reject
• spurn
• abominate
• execrate
• decline

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

Recent Examples of covet

James, Lord Dalhousie, the arrogant and ruthless Governor General of British India, who had long coveted the riches of Punjab and the Koh-i-Noor, was triumphant. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts collection is also highly coveted by collectors. — Ming Liu, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Dior’s Hardcore era, with pierced bags from 20 years ago that are still deeply coveted. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Webber possessed the size and skill Nellie coveted, but there were personality issues. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026