COVET Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

covet

verb

ˈkə-vət

Definition of covet next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But right-handed defensemen, especially those with a reputation for being able to absorb tough minutes and contribute a bit of everything, are coveted in this league. —

Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 June 2026 There are also entertaining recollections of how Cameron joined the band (after Thayil saved him from a Scientologist solicitor) and how Shepherd was especially coveted by Cornell because the bassist was from Bainbridge, Washington, just like Cornell’s beloved roommate Andy Wood. —

Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 9 June 2026 Monaco is the crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar, a race every driver covets. —

Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 7 June 2026 In a first for the show’s premiere episode, three acts earned coveted Golden Buzzers. —

Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for covet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet

Verb

The documents a researcher might crave are online or, if a scholar really wants to hold the hard copies, in Maryland under the care of the National Archives.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Though there are plenty of places to spend summer along the East Coast, those craving remote quiet will want to beeline it to Martha’s Vineyard.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 June 2026

Definition of crave

Browse Nearby Words

coves

covet

coveted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of covet

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on covet

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wifty

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times

Cattywampus, Taradiddle, and More Funny-Sounding Words

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

Popular

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

8 Obscure Words for Sleepy Times

Games & Quizzes