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 This is also the episode where Samantha covets a Birkin and ends up alienating Lucy Liu in the process, which is an equally memorable, if less emotional, plot point. Melissa Locker, Time, 30 May 2025 But with extensions for coaches who aren’t coveted on the market, there’s no reason to extend early. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 While there are older baseball cards with fewer copies in existence and certainly similarly scarce cards in better condition, the Wagner has long been coveted due to its combination of scarcity and Hall of Fame subject. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 28 May 2025 Both are lavishly wealthy business tycoons who coveted, then achieved, rather late in life, the highest office in their land. Lydia Polgreen, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for covet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet
Verb
  • Anecdotal evidence suggests that people taking these drugs could be suddenly drawn to sugary perfumes and scents, possibly even craving them.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
  • Choose low-salt snacks: Lower-sodium snack options, like unsalted nuts or plain popcorn, can help satisfy a salt craving and offer more nutrition than salty chips.14 Expand your seasonings: Use herbs and spices to flavor your meals without table salt.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Newcastle United wants Premier League signings Newcastle has already made enquiries for Brighton forward Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • She’s already seen changes—and wants to push for more.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

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