Definition of covernext
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as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only a friend covered for me as a hospital volunteer while my family went on vacation

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as in to shield
to place a protective layer over better cover your skin with sunblock if you don't want a sunburn, not to mention skin cancer

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cover

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noun

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as in lid
a piece placed over an open container to hold in, protect, or conceal its contents where's the cover for the cookie jar?

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as in roof
a raised covering over something for decoration or protection all of the exhibits at the fair are under cover, so the weather won't be a factor

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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 cover
Verb
This year’s lineup covers such causes as environmental protection, political leadership, frontline journalism, food and education and advocacy for survivors. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Colin covered the front of the house; Christine worked the back. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
The week of the Facebook settlement, the cover of Time featured Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, two of the founders of OpenAI, making a defensive case for their product. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 When Roan appeared on the October 2024 cover of Rolling Stone, Rodrigo spoke to us about the superstar. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • Second, board and management experience has to match the product the bank intends to underwrite, and general financial services expertise will not substitute for the specific asset class at issue.
    AJ Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Sayes is a Diamond Crystal salt user and has had vendors substitute it for a house brand.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Add chicken back to sauce and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until chicken is coated and warmed through.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Lift up pan from burner and pour ¼ cup batter onto one side, then immediately tilt pan and swirl batter to coat surface evenly.
    Julia Sherman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The guests themselves remained enshrouded in secrecy as black cars were seen driving into a large white tent, with the entrance set off by black curtains, shielding attendees from nearby prying eyes.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Consumer advocacy groups, including those for wildfire victims, have criticized efforts to shield utilities from liability for fires caused by their equipment, arguing the utilities must do more on prevention.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Through an open records request, the Star-Telegram obtained copies of text messages and emails concerning discussions between the two cities about the data center development.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Akiyama wrote numerous books concerning both his spaceflight and his experiences as a farmer and being displaced from the Fukushima Prefecture.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • All three globe bulbs are concealed here, as is most of the cord, but a foot pedal on/off switch ensures ease of use.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • India, as an ally of the United States, would be crossing a red line by offering direct or even indirect aid to Tehran, given the extensive sanctions placed on the regime.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Across from Laurel, a Black woman crosses her arms over her stomach, her short Afro behind a headband.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Warsh's remarks will be closely monitored for any indication of his views on how monetary policy should respond to persistently above-target inflation, or the impact of rising long-term borrowing costs.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hutton said Calumet College regularly sends representatives to the school to monitor it, including its governance system and academic programs.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Play was suspended on the outside courts, but the roofs could close on Armstrong and Ashe, protecting Bublik and Wolf, and Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone, from the elements.
    Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Families who answer those questions early protect both generations.
    Jon Sabes, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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