cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
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

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.
The mystery surrounding the base has sparked dozens of conspiracy theories about the extent of its use, most of which focus on tales of UFOs, government cover-ups and extraterrestrial technology. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Gilbert leaders, in response, defended the integrity of city staff and said public allegations of a cover-up were silly and unfounded. Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025 The memo dampened conspiracy theories that have emerged over the years, some of which were amplified by Bondi and other Trump officials, suggesting Epstein was killed as part of a government cover-up. Sonam Sheth hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 Sophie uncovers Margo's elaborate cover-up, which involved help from her estranged brother Kyle (Michael Aaron Milligan) and a fake alibi from her father, Doc Blevins (David Jensen). Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 23 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

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