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

This pick from Dokotoo checks all of the boxes by functioning as both a swimsuit cover-up and a day dress. — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Despite being a heavy-duty cover-up, this concealer doesn’t sacrifice your skin’s health. — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 19 July 2026

And once my pink shoulders had enough sun, a crisp white button-down became the perfect cover-up for a little extra protection. — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 17 July 2026

The former staffers’ attorneys tried to force her to testify in this week’s trial against Basabe, and plaintiffs have pointed to her noncooperation as evidence of the alleged House cover-up of Basabe’s actions and silencing of potential witnesses. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 17 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