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

Ex-Jets linebacker charged with first-degree murder allegedly consulted ChatGPT about cover-up – A former New York Jets linebacker who is currently facing first-degree murder charges allegedly turned to the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT to seek advice on how to cover up the crime. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Made from a lightweight, drapey fabric that screams bohemian charm, this dress is designed for everything from a bathing suit cover-up to post-beach loungewear or humid nights out. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Thankfully this story of crusading Boston journalists and a shady Catholic Church cover-up did. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Some people will likely point to the change as evidence of a cover-up. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 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