as in to suppress
to keep from being publicly known
the governor vainly tried to cover up the growing scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cover (up)
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
In subsequent social media posts, Buck shared before and after photos of the cover-up.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
But the defense suggested that an assortment of other people were involved in O'Keefe's death and a cover-up.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Survivors in workplaces, politics and entertainment chose to speak publicly, often under their own names, about serial abuse and institutional cover-ups.
—Stephanie A, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cover (up)
Noun
Nina Dobrev danced into 2026 wearing a parade of tiny loud luxury bikinis and matching cover-ups in a video shared on January 5.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
In subsequent social media posts, Buck shared before and after photos of the cover-up.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
But the defense suggested that an assortment of other people were involved in O'Keefe's death and a cover-up.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025
Survivors in workplaces, politics and entertainment chose to speak publicly, often under their own names, about serial abuse and institutional cover-ups.
—Stephanie A, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cover (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cover (up)
Verb
-
This led organically to feelings of love for one’s Black nannies and friendship with the children of your Black live-in maids, but this warmth had to be suppressed.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Is grief, guilt, or shame suppressing your willpower?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Early slayers often originate between realms—people who have been near death and pulled back, or have the markings of potential vampires, or who are born at times of the year when the veil between worlds is thin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Sometimes the veil of nanlaban fell.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Women in black cloaks with their faces and hands covered in line with their religious faith waited in the rain for limited amounts of food to be dispersed.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The campaign included guerrilla marketing tactics throughout Seoul, with individuals in black cloaks branded with the album logo appearing in districts like Gangnam, Seongsu, and Hongdae.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
One man is covered with a bloody white shroud inside a body bag.—
Marin Scott,
NBC news,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The opposition needs to offer a credible safe exit for these regime insiders, convincing them that the Islamic Republic is no longer their shield, but their shroud.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Use a reclining chair, bring warm clothing or blankets, and avoid using your phone to preserve night vision.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The case gained notoriety when police released body camera video showing the 6-year-old child, wrapped in a blanket with no detectable pulse.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cover (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cover%20%28up%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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