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.

It would be a personal setback to surrender his place, but England have the fast-bowling stocks to cover for him.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Underlying all that is the fragile ego of a state whose outward brassiness is often a cover for an inferiority complex stoked by its glittering neighbor.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

That gives Warsh some cover for arguing the picture is more complicated than the overall numbers suggest.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Many countries have up to two diplomatic missions to these international organisations, as well as an embassy - providing both diplomatic immunity and cover for spies.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

"Widge, eh? You're the one who made me do a little jig to cover for Henry when he dropped his lines? How is it you're not out there now, holding the book?"

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

cover for

Example Sentences

Related Words