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 of paper over

• 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

But there were only so many problems that talent could paper over for the Trojans, even if Northwestern had come into Wednesday night on the heels of a five-game losing streak. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Working with a local paper artisan, Demeyer crafted a lantern composed of seven layers of paper over a wooden frame. —Katherine McGrath, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2026

Adams, the Republican nominee in 2022 and 2024, was endorsed in the special election by the Independent Party and claims the secretary of the state’s office wrongly refused to accept his Independent Party nomination papers over a technicality — a missing signature. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026

The acids in the cardboard can discolor photos and papers over time. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026

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