PAPERED OVER Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

papered over

verb

past tense of paper over

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of papered over 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 While political violence decreased, his heavy-handed rule papered over France’s wounds without healing them. —

Time, 21 Oct. 2025 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over

Verb

Meanwhile, transgender rights advocates say the voices and the views of students have been ignored.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Sterlin Harjo has expanded the possibilities of television with work that is both deeply personal and culturally groundbreaking, with overdue stories and voices Americans have long ignored.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026