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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Such tickets, which are verified not to have been resold, are highly coveted and tend to get purchased instantly. — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026 The growing number of designer boutiques at Wilmette’s Plaza del Lago were just joined by a power player in fashion — the French luxury brand Hermès, which sells $10,000-plus handbags coveted by celebrities. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 James, Lord Dalhousie, the arrogant and ruthless Governor General of British India, who had long coveted the riches of Punjab and the Koh-i-Noor, was triumphant. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts collection is also highly coveted by collectors. — Ming Liu, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for covet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for covet

Verb

This is a vehicle for anyone craving intense driving dynamics from an unusual, innovative machine that blends a car’s stability with much of the excitement and exposure of a motorcycle.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hopefully his play on the field can return some joy to fans who are craving it.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of crave

Verb

The league also wants to make players eligible for the Rule 5 draft earlier in their careers.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Hammack voted to raise rates at the Fed’s last meeting in July, but she was outvoted by fellow members of the Federal Open Market Committee who wanted to keep them steady.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of want

Browse Nearby Words

coves

covet

coveted

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Style

“Covet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/covet. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of covet

verb

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