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

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

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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 Created by Lauren Iungerich, Poser is a thriller in which two estranged former best friends get caught up in a psychological game after one gets the life she’s always coveted. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 The card pairs Flagg’s autograph with a patch worn during his first Mavericks game, a formula that has quickly made Debut Patch cards coveted by collectors and investors. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Eller plays a defensive-minded role at center, a skill set the Panthers covet on that line. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026 That coveted indie newcomer is now a major label artist with a debut album in the works, thanks to a new record deal struck with Warner Music and Warner Records US. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for covet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet

Verb

Sports audiences happen to be growing, as more media outlets crave better reach among audiences watching video in simultaneous fashion.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
But Odysseus, craving road trip tunes after accidentally dropping his mix CDs into Charybdis, must hear their song.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of crave

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coves

covet

coveted

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“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of covet

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