cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp 

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

• veil
• cloak
• shroud
• wraps
• blanket

Examples of cover-up in a Sentence

that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder

Recent Examples on the Web

Amazon's early swim deals include flattering one-pieces, stylish two-pieces, and versatile cover-ups at prices that make picking up an extra suit feel completely reasonable. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026

Hathaway was recently spotted enjoying a vacation in sunny Saint-Tropez, her baby bump visible beneath an array of breezy maxi dresses and cover-ups, including the Anne dress from her stylist Erin Walsh’s collaboration with La Ligne. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 June 2026

Some posts online compared the cover-up on Epstein to Watergate. —Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Finally, Senior Editor Hannah Vanbiber exposes FIFA’s bizarre venue cover-ups. —Tim McMaster, New York Times, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cover-up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

Kids Definition

cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up

ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp

: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation