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
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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
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Recent Examples of papered over
How many old game-management cracks were papered over a year ago by Shedeur, the best passer in school history, and Travis Hunter, the Buffs’ best-ever athlete?
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Billions in federal pandemic aid temporarily papered over structural deficits at Chicago Public Schools and in city government.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
Two late goals from Liverpool in the opening fixture of their Premier League campaign papered over some very big defensive cracks.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
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
For all the talk of bold reforms since 2012, Xi has time and time again papered over China’s cracks with government stimulus.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Billions in federal pandemic aid temporarily papered over structural deficits at Chicago Public Schools and in city government.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
Two late goals from Liverpool in the opening fixture of their Premier League campaign papered over some very big defensive cracks.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
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
For all the talk of bold reforms since 2012, Xi has time and time again papered over China’s cracks with government stimulus.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over
Verb
-
The complaint alleges that BNY ignored warning signs, especially after Epstein’s crimes became known.—
Chase Jordan
October 17,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Oct. 2025
-
When things get fuzzy about what a child’s needs actually are, or parents feel they are being ignored, OSEP can help parents learn what their options are, and then can even become involved and serve as an arbitrator to figure out the best course of action.—
Joshua Cowen,
The Conversation,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Clothes therefore became a clever signifier that could be displayed or concealed depending on the situation.—
Steve Salter,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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The connections to the servers in the landing station a mile away had been installed, and a spaghetti of thick black cables lay concealed in the cube below the manhole.—
Samanth Subramanian,
The Dial,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The important role that Olathe played in Johnson County’s history is often overlooked.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
15 Oct. 2025
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Sibling grief is real and powerful, but it's often overlooked, especially when the grieving sibling is a young child.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Athletic recently explained UEFA’s primary two financial regulations — the football-earnings rule and the squad-cost rule.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Bhavya Lal, a Professor of Policy Analysis with RAND School of Public Policy and a former NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy, explained in an interview with SpaceNews.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The stars themselves are bestowed by anonymous inspectors who briefly appear on camera, but whose names, faces, and even voices are completely obscured.—
Laurie Woolever,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Stainless-steel twin vanities are tucked into niches at opposite ends of the 20-foot-long space, while the water closet and double shower are obscured behind frosted glass and metal doors.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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American soybean farmers who long relied on Chinese sales are now being passed over for exports from Brazil, Argentina and elsewhere.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Oct. 2025
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Pumps are working, but the storm cell that just passed over the SE Valley dropped a bunch of rain here.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This purple-frosted donut is topped with an appropriately spooky donut spider made out of a Munchkins donut hole covered in chocolate drizzle, with frosting for the eyes and legs.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
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Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Those numbers do not include killings that CMPD found to be justified self-defense.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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The justices will weigh whether Louisiana’s 2024 redistricting plan, which added a second majority-Black district, violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause or is justified under the Voting Rights Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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