cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
Synonyms of cover-upnext
1
a
: a device or stratagem for masking or concealing
his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity
b
: a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2
: a loose outer garment

Synonyms of cover-up

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Examples of cover-up in a Sentence

that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For the outing, Cox wore a black swimsuit paired with a gray cover-up, black sunglasses and a black hat. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Rand Paul, in particular, seems bent on getting Fauci prosecuted for allegedly bribing and coercing intelligence officials to aid in his cover-up. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 This pick from Dokotoo checks all of the boxes by functioning as both a swimsuit cover-up and a day dress. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026 Despite being a heavy-duty cover-up, this concealer doesn’t sacrifice your skin’s health. — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover-up

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover-up was in 1927

Rhymes for cover-up

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Browse Nearby Words

cover type
cover-up
covet
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Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cover-up

noun
cov·​er-up
ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp
: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

More from Merriam-Webster on cover-up

Nglish: Translation of cover-up for Spanish Speakers

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