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
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
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
-
Concerns raised by witnesses An external investigation found no evidence that district employees knew of or ignored prior misconduct, though parents and lawmakers have questioned the district's oversight.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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To be clear, Peacock (which, like Sky, is part of Comcast) hardly ignored SNL UK prior to its launch.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bonta had earlier questioned whether Bianco had concealed important information from the magistrate judge who approved the warrants.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Holl’s idea was to create a space that remains visually cohesive, with very little concealed.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Despite his gentle nature, Finn continues to be overlooked, fading into the background as more-confident dogs catch the attention of potential adopters.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
However, there is a group of individuals who are overlooked and just as deserving of recognition for their service — the family members who support those who serve in uniform.—
Tom Jurkowsky,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Many joked that the clip explained years of mysterious toy discoveries beneath their own furniture.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Hollis, Queens, resident Patricia Khan first met McLogan in 2024 and explained her predicament at the time.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Across 180 trials, the drone achieved a reported success rate ranging from 72 percent to 100 percent, demonstrating its ability to maneuver through cluttered and visually obscured environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Mar. 2026
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These were large, monochromatic canvases featuring roses and other motifs obscured by large X’s.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even their best pro prospect, defensive tackle Deven Eastern, might be passed over in the last rounds and be forced to take the harder UDFA route.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Mar. 2026
-
But the suit filed in federal court a little over a year ago laid out his frustrations after applying to be captain and getting passed over for a white officer who, according to the suit, had about a third of the experience as supervisor in the department.—
Ken Lemon,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These windows will be covered with translucent film of different Idaho mountain ranges, giving those inside privacy while allowing natural light to flow through into the lounge, which can hold up to 500 people.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
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Almaraz’s role was never formally defined, but he was believed by top officials to bring good luck, and all of his travel expenses were covered.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But defense attorneys argued the protests weren’t as peaceful as plaintiffs’ attorneys portrayed, that officers’ actions were justified, and that the individual officers named in the suit should be entitled to public official immunity and dismissed from the lawsuit.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
-
McDonnell wrote in a report made public Thursday that two officers were justified in using deadly force against Lauren, 52, who pointed a gun and fired at officers during a standoff in the backyard of her Eagle Rock home in April.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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