Synonyms

covet

American

[kuhv-it] / ˈkʌv ɪt /

verb (used with object)

to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others.

to covet another's property.

Antonyms:

renounce
to wish for, especially eagerly.

He won the prize they all coveted.

verb (used without object)

to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

covet British

/ ˈkʌvɪt /

verb

to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp the property of another person)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See envy.

Other Word Forms

covetable adjective
coveter noun
covetingly adverb
uncoveting adjective

Etymology

Origin of covet

First recorded in 1325–1350; Middle English coveiten, from Anglo-French coveiter, Old French coveit(i)er, from unattested Vulgar Latin cupiditāre, verbal derivative of Latin cupiditās cupidity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For many, sight is the most coveted sense.

From Los Angeles Times

The awards are coveted in the UK music industry because they specifically recognise the importance of songwriting.

From BBC

Defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea have opened the door for a team to come out of left-field and clinch a coveted Champions League place.

From BBC

He also has other options in that coveted position which he will get the opportunity to explore in these friendlies - the players' last chances to give Tuchel food for thought.

From BBC

The goods in question included Nvidia-made semiconductors, highly coveted AI chips which are subject to export controls.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023