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 Some listeners described Kay as an egomaniac who coveted a solo show. Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025 Maybe not to the extent of buying a new car, but there is something satisfying about holding and coveting a new phone. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Romantic poets such as John Keats and Percy Shelley, who died at 25 and 29, respectively, taught readers to covet the summer of life with almost desperate intensity, and even a slight chill in the air became cause for dread. Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025 The Dodgers have coveted Sasaki for years, reserving the most available space in the 2024 international signing class on the off chance that Sasaki came to Major League Baseball before his 25th birthday. Eno Sarris, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for covet 

Thesaurus Entries Near covet

Cite this Entry

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

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