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
The cases covering Haitians and Syrians fully fleshed out the court’s position on TPS. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Other players have covered their mouths while speaking to opponents during the World Cup, but a red card is only issued if the conversation occurs during a confrontation or heated exchange. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
Brinkley, who’s on the cover of Justin Mitchell’s Social Life Magazine, talked to editor Devorah Rose about aging. Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 But there are hidden masses among us who need only catch a glimpse of its college-Photoshop cover art—a Statue of Liberty with her dress hiked up, dancing like the recession had just been declared over—to feel an instant shiver of pathos and pain. Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover
Verb
  • Portugal somehow held on, and Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, with Ronaldo substituted, sparked delirium after a delightful Rafael Leao cross.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • But the real pleasure is the 303 basslines that squirm in between the drums, coating the soundscapes of the tracks in grime and noxious soot.
    Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • Morning mist coated the nearby Rhone River that snakes through the Alpine valley as worshippers flocked in.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In a June 10 letter, Abbott ordered state regulators to shield Texans from the electricity costs related to data centers.
    Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
  • Court documents said Gipson allegedly stabbed one victim in the leg, stabbed another in the torso who was trying to shield the other victim, and nicked the third victim in the leg.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Recent polling from Gallup found that Americans are concerned most about housing and energy prices, including gas.
    Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Carter is concerned by a pop-up power plant under construction in the area to serve a data center.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature.
    Nathan Pilling July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • But an airline passenger in Indianapolis was caught using a peanut butter jar to conceal something altogether more concerning.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Traffic through the Strait had remained steady in recent days but was not increasing, according to a post from the UKMTO Sunday, which warned risks remained for vessels crossing the crucial waterway.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The first shot sees Haaland sitting in a folding chair with his arms strongly crossed while wearing his red, white and blue kit.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • Additionally, the Republican Party is deploying poll watchers to monitor elections in at least 17 states this year.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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