1
as in ignoring
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 hiding
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 papering over
Yet the money manager remains hopeful that fiscal stimulus — more government spending coupled with consumer and business tax breaks — from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill will start to take effect in a few months, papering over any nascent economic weakness.
—
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
If lawmakers are serious about affordability and homeownership, this is the structural reform that actually solves the problem rather than papering over it.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Dee Winters undercut a pass and returned it 74 yards for a game-sealing score, papering over a shaky performance by the 49ers’ defense.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
But the results were papering over some crumbly performances.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
If lawmakers are serious about affordability and homeownership, this is the structural reform that actually solves the problem rather than papering over it.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Dee Winters undercut a pass and returned it 74 yards for a game-sealing score, papering over a shaky performance by the 49ers’ defense.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
But the results were papering over some crumbly performances.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papering over
Verb
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Some Democrats argue that the cost of ignoring young male voters is higher than the risk of association with Piker.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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But here’s the thing — ignoring your gutters is one of the fastest ways to turn a free weekend project into a budget-wrecking emergency repair.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Under her tenure, the Department has lost centuries of professional experience, willfully violated federal law and judicial orders alike, while at the same time, hiding millions of documents linked to the Epstein files in a massive cover-up.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
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Grass lines in 8 to 15 feet of water make a perfect location for ambushing their prey and hiding from other predatory fish like muskies.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For a first-time gardener, broccoli and cabbage are forgiving choices that reward you with real food from your own backyard.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
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The data on the popularity of meat substitutes aren’t especially forgiving, either.—
Andrew Zaleski,
The Atlantic,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The rules aim to address noise, lighting and concealing landscaping.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
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Li is suspected of involvement in offenses including operating gambling dens, fraud, unlawful business operations and concealing and disguising the proceeds of crime, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Beijing’s Ministry of Public Security.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The 1,000 m² space overlooking the old port view will boast a large virtual production demonstration stage this year as well as booths and conference spaces.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
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There's the genteel couple who've been coming annually for a decade, always requesting the same suite overlooking the gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rise of high-frequency trading convinced us that everything is priced in instantly, obscuring pockets of friction.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
31 Mar. 2026
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Sheets appear to be covering the front cockpit window, obscuring what would normally be the pilots’ forward view.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The supervisors appointed Curtis in a 3-2 vote, passing over Joanna Francescut, who had worked in the elections office since 2008 and was Darling Allen’s number two.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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On one hand, no one ever wants to repeat the Dolphins’ sin of passing over Drew Brees in free agency in 2006.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Angela Dugalić got to feast in the post, always enjoying a size advantage with the biggest player covering Betts, scoring 9 points and adding five rebounds and four assists.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
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Two officers were seen covering the object with a canopy.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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