Covalent is a term in chemistry that refers to the type of bond between two atoms in a molecule. Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons, achieving a stable arrangement of electrons in their outer shells. There are several synonyms for covalent that can be used interchangeably depending on the context of the sentence. Some of these include molecular, electron-sharing, chemical, and nonpolar. These synonyms all describe the same type of chemical bond that results from the sharing of electrons between two atoms. Covalent bonds are essential for the formation of many important molecules, including DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates.