paper over

verb

papered over; papering over; papers over

transitive verb

1

: to gloss over, explain away, or patch up (differences, disparities, etc.) especially in order to maintain a semblance of unity or agreement

2

: hide, conceal

Synonyms

• ignore
• forgive
• overlook
• explain
• pass over
• justify
• brush (aside or off)
• pardon

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

Its food business, which includes Lay’s chips, Quaker, and Rice-A-Roni, is no longer strong enough to paper over its beverage weakness; Elliott suggests some pruning. —Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2025

How many old game-management cracks were papered over a year ago by Shedeur, the best passer in school history, and Travis Hunter, the Buffs’ best-ever athlete? —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025

Billions in federal pandemic aid temporarily papered over structural deficits at Chicago Public Schools and in city government. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025

Place parchment paper over top of your bead design and iron on medium for about 15 seconds. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for paper over

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• leftover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover