1
as in ignored
to dismiss as of little importance
the differences between the two factions are too great to be papered over in the name of party unity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concealed
to keep secret or shut off from view
the company tried to paper over its red ink, issuing assurances that it was still financially sound
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of papered over
The structural failures that are the true roots of the region's turmoil—not Tehran—will go unaddressed, papered over by the noise and urgency of the conflict.
—
Frederic Wehrey, Time, 24 Mar. 2026
Buried inside this success story is a growing fiscal problem that policymakers have quietly papered over for more than a decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The top line’s results do come with an asterisk, though — their goal differential is boosted by Ilya Sorokin’s superb play, which has papered over some of the line’s mediocre play-driving numbers.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Even so, personality disputes can be papered over if countries share mutual goals and interests.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
But not all differences can be papered over.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Underneath, its windows are artfully papered over with construction paper clouds.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025
The recent San Diego fee increases, which aside from Measure C were not directly approved by voters, will help but won’t solve the city’s structural budget deficit that has been papered over for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
How many old game-management cracks were papered over a year ago by Shedeur, the best passer in school history, and Travis Hunter, the Buffs’ best-ever athlete?
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Frederic Wehrey, Time, 24 Mar. 2026
Buried inside this success story is a growing fiscal problem that policymakers have quietly papered over for more than a decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The top line’s results do come with an asterisk, though — their goal differential is boosted by Ilya Sorokin’s superb play, which has papered over some of the line’s mediocre play-driving numbers.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Even so, personality disputes can be papered over if countries share mutual goals and interests.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
But not all differences can be papered over.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Underneath, its windows are artfully papered over with construction paper clouds.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025
The recent San Diego fee increases, which aside from Measure C were not directly approved by voters, will help but won’t solve the city’s structural budget deficit that has been papered over for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
How many old game-management cracks were papered over a year ago by Shedeur, the best passer in school history, and Travis Hunter, the Buffs’ best-ever athlete?
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over
Verb
-
Ames is one of thousands of women who have felt ignored by medical professionals.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Since ancient times, athletes have often ignored the rules in their quest for glory.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Two pumps of product managed to do the trick for my full face, and suddenly my hyperpigmentation on my cheek was concealed.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Last June, Ukrainian drones concealed inside of pallets on trailers were released to conduct a coordinated, simultaneous attack on several air bases deep inside Russia.—
Brynn Tannehill,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Despite his gentle nature, Finn continues to be overlooked, fading into the background as more-confident dogs catch the attention of potential adopters.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
However, there is a group of individuals who are overlooked and just as deserving of recognition for their service — the family members who support those who serve in uniform.—
Tom Jurkowsky,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many joked that the clip explained years of mysterious toy discoveries beneath their own furniture.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hollis, Queens, resident Patricia Khan first met McLogan in 2024 and explained her predicament at the time.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Conley noted that the car was drifting in its lane and had a license plate obscured.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Stay at least 200 feet behind any working plow to make sure your visibility isn't obscured.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And yes, big-name stars like Dakota Johnson and Reese Witherspoon have been passed over for some truly outlandish reasons.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
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But those who place the blood on their doorposts are passed over during this last plague.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Denver metro test drive loop My drives with the Prius covered much of the South Denver metro area, including stretches of C-470 and E-470, where steady highway cruising allowed the hybrid system to show off its efficiency.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
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The remains were found partially covered in sediment, and their position on a sediment pile suggests intentional placement, likely as part of a ritual funerary practice.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This view of the presidency has justified his executive orders at home and tariffs that affect the global economy.—
Steven Sloan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The opioid crisis alone justified a generation of skepticism.—
Vikas Patel,
STAT,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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