paper over
verb
papered over; papering over; papers over
1
: to gloss over, explain away, or patch up (differences, disparities, etc.) especially in order to maintain a semblance of unity or agreement
Examples of paper over in a Sentence
the differences between the two factions are too great to be papered over in the name of party unity
the company tried to paper over its red ink, issuing assurances that it was still financially sound
Recent Examples on the Web
Families paper over trailer windows, Carroll said.
—
Kate Wells, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
In this case, the vote also papers over Democrats’ internal divisions, given that the caucus is divided between hawkish Democrats sympathetic to attacking Iran and those who reject the attack outright.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
Given Maryland’s budget crunch, is there some directive these agencies are following to play fast and loose with federal funds to temporarily paper over budget gaps?
—Steve Arentz, Baltimore Sun, 2 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
See All Example Sentences for paper over
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Kate Wells, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026
In this case, the vote also papers over Democrats’ internal divisions, given that the caucus is divided between hawkish Democrats sympathetic to attacking Iran and those who reject the attack outright.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026
Given Maryland’s budget crunch, is there some directive these agencies are following to play fast and loose with federal funds to temporarily paper over budget gaps?
—Steve Arentz, Baltimore Sun, 2 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
See All Example Sentences for paper over
Cite this Entry
“Paper over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20over. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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