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
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
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
-
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
-
Owens Lake is overlooked by the dynamic, sheer eastern face of the Sierra Nevada, and its saline water vividly reflects the mountains and the sky.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Young players who have been overlooked, expensive veterans and unproven commodities will be at the forefront of the pool of players available.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Labeled Hoard 1 and Hoard 2, archaeologists explained that Hoard 1 held the largest collection of copper alloy and iron metalwork, while 88 items were found in Hoard 2.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Poplawski explained how there are also unknown processes that violate the balance between a family of particles called baryons and their antimatter counterparts, the antibaryons.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
23 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
-
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
-
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
-
Neither of the two officers who did shoot Taylor was charged, after prosecutors deemed they were justified in returning fire into the apartment.—
DYLAN LOVAN,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
-
That undermines the user-pays principle that originally justified the gas tax.—
Louis Sigaud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
