1
as in ignored
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concealed
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of papered over
Her transgression is one of the worst things imaginable; in a way, what Emma is hiding stems from a societal ill that gets papered over every day.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
The structural failures that are the true roots of the region's turmoil—not Tehran—will go unaddressed, papered over by the noise and urgency of the conflict.
—Frederic Wehrey, Time, 24 Mar. 2026
Buried inside this success story is a growing fiscal problem that policymakers have quietly papered over for more than a decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The top line’s results do come with an asterisk, though — their goal differential is boosted by Ilya Sorokin’s superb play, which has papered over some of the line’s mediocre play-driving numbers.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Even so, personality disputes can be papered over if countries share mutual goals and interests.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
But not all differences can be papered over.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Underneath, its windows are artfully papered over with construction paper clouds.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025
The recent San Diego fee increases, which aside from Measure C were not directly approved by voters, will help but won’t solve the city’s structural budget deficit that has been papered over for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026
The structural failures that are the true roots of the region's turmoil—not Tehran—will go unaddressed, papered over by the noise and urgency of the conflict.
—Frederic Wehrey, Time, 24 Mar. 2026
Buried inside this success story is a growing fiscal problem that policymakers have quietly papered over for more than a decade.
—Louis Sigaud, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
The top line’s results do come with an asterisk, though — their goal differential is boosted by Ilya Sorokin’s superb play, which has papered over some of the line’s mediocre play-driving numbers.
—Harman Dayal, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Even so, personality disputes can be papered over if countries share mutual goals and interests.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
But not all differences can be papered over.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Underneath, its windows are artfully papered over with construction paper clouds.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025
The recent San Diego fee increases, which aside from Measure C were not directly approved by voters, will help but won’t solve the city’s structural budget deficit that has been papered over for years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over
Verb
-
Despite wooden signs prohibiting people reserving sun loungers with towels and then leaving them, the father-of-two said guests routinely ignored the warning.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
To some, the data centers are an inevitable part of our future and an economic opportunity that can’t be ignored as the global AI race accelerates.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The suit further alleges that Cameron and his team concealed the truth about the inspiration behind the character’s image for years.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
The officers were responding to a Secret Service agent's report that Marx was seen near with White House complex with a firearm concealed on the right side of his body, the affidavit says.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
By his own account, he was somewhat overlooked by the media.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
-
Treatment fatigue, in particular, is often overlooked.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Deadline shared a special preview of the series in January, with a slew of exclusive photos and a Q&A with Spiridakos, who shared insight into what fans can expect from the series and, in turn, explained some of the bits from the trailer.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
-
Short explained the life perspective that enables him to find joy amid all the heartbreak.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The report, issued on April 30, contains 14 recommendations, some of which were obscured from public view for security reasons.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
Like too many others of his time, Smith’s sheer greatness tends to be obscured, his legacy overlooked.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The Hispanic Caucus’ PAC would continue to back their two preferred candidates who were passed over Monday by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, its chair said in a statement.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
4 May 2026
-
Decadent art, with its mannerism, also its enthusiasm for skulls, swords, strippers, and other Hot Topic motifs, is for some art historians an embarrassing cul-de-sac best passed over in favor of a narrative of formal progress leading inevitably to abstraction.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
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As of last month, 62 percent of the vehicle covered in the recall had already received the update.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
9 May 2026
-
Storefronts once crammed with shoppers, now covered by tarps.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
His attorney cited Meade's oral and written accounts of what happened, and said the shooting was justified.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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Authorities said a fourth one was ruled to be justified by self-defense.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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