Synonyms of paper over

paper over

verb

1

as in to ignore

to dismiss as of little importance

the differences between the two factions are too great to be papered over in the name of party unity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• forgive
• overlook
• explain
• pass over
• justify
• brush (aside or off)
• pardon
• excuse
• forgive and forget
• gloss (over)
• shrug off
• blink (at)
• disregard
• wink (at)
• discount
• condone
• remit
• gloze (over)
• whitewash
• overpass
• close one's eyes to
• wave (aside or off)
• rationalize
• vindicate
• exonerate
• exculpate
• acquit
• waive
• absolve
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• object (to)
• note
• mark
• mind
• heed

2

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view

the company tried to paper over its red ink, issuing assurances that it was still financially sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conceal
• hide
• obscure
• cover
• blot out
• suppress
• mask
• disguise
• curtain
• veil
• cloak
• blanket
• screen
• occult
• shroud
• block
• belie
• overshadow
• cover (up)
• enshroud
• bury
• camouflage
• gloss (over)
• smother
• shade
• varnish
• eclipse
• whitewash
• obstruct
• cloud
• gild
• overcast
• darken
• occlude
• becloud
• bedim
• befog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• show
• reveal
• display
• disclose
• bring out
• expose
• present
• divulge
• uncover
• bare
• unveil
• get out
• clarify
• unmask
• uncloak
• publish
• illuminate
• broadcast
• proclaim
• advertise
• spread
• air
• publicize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of paper over

Spread paper towels or paper over a work surface and label a paper plate or shallow container for each variety. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 July 2026

The Democrats’ bad brand, and their willingness to hand influence to outside groups to paper over it, has increasingly become a problem for them this year. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

The emotional high of victory papered over the cracks, though. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026

The contradictions of their closeness aren’t papered over; the unease is allowed to linger, inflamed and ineradicable. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026