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
But Lutnick's optimism papered over unanswered questions that importers have about China's promises.
—
Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Cassidy Jones, senior visitation program manager at the National Parks Conservation Assn., told Michael that cuts to the parks are tangible and will directly affect visitors’ experience over the coming months, despite efforts by leadership at the Department of the Interior to paper over the cracks.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Congress later papered over the conflict by voting to give Lincoln the authority for the war’s duration.
—Molly Redden, ProPublica, 23 May 2025
During the delousing, the restaurant’s front windows were papered over so that the mandatory public health closure notice was not visible to the public (or investors).
—John McDermott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for paper over
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Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Cassidy Jones, senior visitation program manager at the National Parks Conservation Assn., told Michael that cuts to the parks are tangible and will directly affect visitors’ experience over the coming months, despite efforts by leadership at the Department of the Interior to paper over the cracks.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Congress later papered over the conflict by voting to give Lincoln the authority for the war’s duration.
—Molly Redden, ProPublica, 23 May 2025
During the delousing, the restaurant’s front windows were papered over so that the mandatory public health closure notice was not visible to the public (or investors).
—John McDermott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
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 5 Jul. 2025.
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