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 There were only 10 of these produced in 1997 and they are highly coveted by modern Jordan collectors. Larry Holder, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 Moreover, older workers augment a multi-generational workforce, the advantages of which are increasingly apparent and coveted by organizational leaders. Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025 Ruth coveted Merlin’s experience and wished to signal her righteous alignment. Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025 Saw palmetto berries are coveted for their medicinal purposes, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for covet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet
Verb
  • With All-Star catcher Will Smith sidelined by a bone bruise in his right hand, Dalton Rushing was handed the chance at regular playing time the top prospect no doubt craved.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The games are one of the few program formats that still bring the broad, simultaneous viewership that Madison Avenue craves — and, as a result, more advertisers are trying to get money down on them, even if they haven’t been known for doing so in the past.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By February, Dudek had become the conduit between DOGE and the SSA, alerting top agency officials that DOGE wanted to work at headquarters.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And after Detroit defeated Green Bay, 34-31, in Week 14 last season, many Packers talked about wanting to see the Lions again in the postseason.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

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