cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
Synonyms of cover-upnext
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.
There’s less and less subtext, fewer cover-ups. James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 The detectives also discover many cover-ups. Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 Time to end this White House cover-up. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 Equally, the future of coach Brendon McCullum, already in grave danger after England’s latest Ashes debacle, has been further jeopardised by allegations of a cover-up over his players’ behaviour the night before a one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand. Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 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 9 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

cover-up

noun
cov·​er-up
ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp
: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

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