Definition of covetnext

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 All White Kitchens All white kitchens were coveted for their crisp, fresh look. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 20 June 2026 Limited to 999 examples, the Valhalla could soon be just as timelessly coveted. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 Libertyville junior Madden Cotts spent the vast majority of his first full varsity season playing second base spotlessly and developing into the type of leadoff hitter that any team covets. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 Macpherson mingled with editors and gamely posed for photos in front of the store, which displayed her exact outfit, although with a different pair of white jeans that the Australian model and wellness entrepreneur immediately coveted. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for covet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet
Verb
  • Some people crave company and prefer to be in the office five days a week, while others want to be fully remote.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Sometimes people who mutually crave admiration from each other also have romantic feelings.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Your 10th House of Career wants focus as the Sun forms a quincunx with transformative Pluto in your 5th House of Creativity, testing balance between responsibility and joy.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
  • The complaint also identifies several defendants as having ties to the Christian Zheng Sheng Association, a Hong Kong charity whose founder, Jacob Lam Hay-sing, is wanted by Hong Kong police in an unrelated criminal investigation.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster