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 So the new team owners took their inspiration from more intimate venues, settling on a capacity of 11,500 to create a fan experience that was loud, crowded and coveted. — Sarah Whitmire, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Unfortunately, such moments these days are coveted, and FIFA capitalized. — Mac Engel july 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 Available in 21 different colors, these travel-friendly pants are highly coveted, with more than 800 Amazon shoppers giving them a five-star rating and more than 200 people snagging a pair in the last month alone. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 21 June 2026 This Italian American eatery in Inman Park has won quite a few awards for its bar program, including the Michelin Guide’s coveted Exceptional Cocktails Award during 2023’s inaugural ceremony. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for covet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet

Verb

It’s located right on Route 66 and has that throwback feel road-trippers crave, with heated outdoor pools, fire pits, loaner bikes, and lawn games.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
For martini drinkers craving bubbles and spritz fans seeking something drier, this is where the two meet.

— Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026

Definition of crave

Verb

With potentially record-breaking heat coming to Washington, DC on the Fourth of July, people wanting to catch fireworks by saving an early spot on the National Mall will have a lot of waiting to do.

— Mike Stunson, USA Today, 3 July 2026
And who wouldn’t want to stay a good long while here—especially to take maximum advantage of that 16,000-square-foot spa?

— Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Definition of want

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of covet

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