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
The underlying fundamental challenges created by the countries’ deep divisions over their economic ties, the potential for conflict over Taiwan and other hotspots, and their competing visions of the international order can only be papered over for so long.
—
Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The brand’s first-quarter handle, the total amount bet across all sports, grew in line with internal projections, Jackson said, but success in football and baseball papered over underwhelming numbers from one of FanDuel’s other most important sports.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 8 May 2025
Finally, holding a special election would cost money that the state does not have since its 2025-2026 budget had to already paper over a $11.8-billion deficit.
—Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 28 July 2025
That puts more pressure on McDaniels and new offensive line coach Doug Marrone to paper over the team’s most obvious weakness by providing the right answers and making the right call more than their counterparts on the opposing sideline.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for paper over
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Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The brand’s first-quarter handle, the total amount bet across all sports, grew in line with internal projections, Jackson said, but success in football and baseball papered over underwhelming numbers from one of FanDuel’s other most important sports.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 8 May 2025
Finally, holding a special election would cost money that the state does not have since its 2025-2026 budget had to already paper over a $11.8-billion deficit.
—Daniel Kolkey, Oc Register, 28 July 2025
That puts more pressure on McDaniels and new offensive line coach Doug Marrone to paper over the team’s most obvious weakness by providing the right answers and making the right call more than their counterparts on the opposing sideline.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 27 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.
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