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Definitions

cover for

VERB
defend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold
STRONG
aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant
WEAK
apologize for back up bear one out come to defense of go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
oppose protest reject
STRONG
accuse blame condemn
WEAK
abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce
VERB
go to bat for
Synonyms
WEAK
back up defend endorse go to the wall for recommend stand behind stand by stand up for stick up for support
VERB
pinch hit
Synonyms
WEAK
act for alternate answer for back up be in place of change commute deputize displace do the work of double for fill in fill in for fill one's position go as proxy relieve replace serve in one's stead spell stand for stand in stand in for sub supersede supplant supply swap swap places with switch take another's place take over
VERB
substitute
Synonyms
STRONGEST
replace supplant swap
STRONG
alternate change commute deputize displace proxy relieve spell sub supersede switch
WEAK
act for answer for back up be in place of do the work of double for fill in for fill one's position go as serve in one's stead stand for stand in (for) swap places with take another's place take over
Antonyms
STRONG
continue keep

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.

Do you think companies are using AI as a cover for layoffs?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Many restaurants, after raising prices to cover for the past several years of supply shocks, are now trying to find ways to cut them after scaring customers away.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Football leans on tradition, providing convenient cover for the NFL’s lenient stance on smelling salts, ammonia crystals that players believe enhance performance when inhaled.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

The FHA report “provides additional cover for Team Trump to act,” wrote TD Cowen analyst Jaret Seiberg in a research note.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Or maybe she’d just talk them into letting her pay a fine that her rich Grisha keepers back in Ravka could cover for her.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.