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

And some of these even make for the perfect cover-up to take you from the beach to aperitivo on your summer vacation. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 9 July 2026

An airy dress that can moonlight as a cover-up is an absolute must, especially if suitcase space is limited. — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Pair these shorts with a simple cami tank top, or throw them on over your triangle bikini as a stylish pool cover-up. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 July 2026

Goldman alleged a cover-up by the Guatemalan government and suggested that the crime’s mastermind remained free. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 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