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cov·e·nantˈkə-və-nənt 
ˈkəv-
1
:a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement:compact
… international law, which depends upon the sanctity ofcovenants between rulers.—
George H. Sabine
George H. Sabine2
a
:a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action
the deed conveying the land contained restrictivecovenants
b
:the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract
cov·e·nantˈkə-və-nənt
-ˌnant,
ˈkəv-
covenanted;covenanting;covenants
:to promise by a covenant:pledge
:to enter into a covenant:contract
Synonyms ofcovenant
Examples ofcovenant in a Sentence
Noun an internationalcovenant on human rights The restrictivecovenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.Verb a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent ofcovenanting with himself the home buyers had tocovenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate
Recent Examples on the WebJessica Alvarado Gamez,Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2026Thecovenants contained language in property deeds that prevented the sale of land or homes to Black people and people of other ethnicities to keep certain areas exclusively White.—Kayla Huynh,jsonline.com, 14 Jan. 2026The onerouscovenants include, among others, restricting WBD’s ability to modify, renew or terminate affiliation agreements.—Jill Goldsmith,Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026That means the length of developer control depends almost entirely on each neighborhood’scovenants and governing documents and, in some cases, whether the developer still holds unsold lots.—Nora O'Neill,Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025See All Example Sentences forcovenant
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.
Noun
The project will create 50 new residential units under an existing affordabilitycovenant.—Jessica Alvarado Gamez,Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2026Thecovenants contained language in property deeds that prevented the sale of land or homes to Black people and people of other ethnicities to keep certain areas exclusively White.—Kayla Huynh,jsonline.com, 14 Jan. 2026The onerouscovenants include, among others, restricting WBD’s ability to modify, renew or terminate affiliation agreements.—Jill Goldsmith,Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026That means the length of developer control depends almost entirely on each neighborhood’scovenants and governing documents and, in some cases, whether the developer still holds unsold lots.—Nora O'Neill,Charlotte Observer, 3 Dec. 2025See All Example Sentences forcovenantWord History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from present participle ofcovenir to be fitting, from Latinconvenire
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined atsense 1
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined attransitive sense
Time Traveler
The first known use ofcovenant was in the 14th centuryBrowse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Covenant.”Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covenant. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
covenant
1 of 2nouncov·e·nantˈkəv-(ə-)nənt
:a solemn agreement:contract
covenant
2 of 2verbcov·e·nantˈkəv-(ə-)nənt
-ə-ˌnant
1
:to promise by a covenant:pledge
2
:to enter into a covenant
Legal Definition
covenant
nouncov·e·nantˈkə-və-nənt
1
:an official agreement or compact
an internationalcovenant on human rights
2
a
:a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act
acovenant not to sue
specifically:a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property see alsocovenant not to compete,restrictive covenant
b
:a warranty in a deed assuring the grantee especially against defects in title
acovenant for quiet enjoyment
see alsoruncovenantverb
More from Merriam-Webster oncovenant
Nglish:Translation ofcovenant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com:Encyclopedia article aboutcovenant
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