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
Results papered over the cracks as the performances were patchy.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
As Marvel moved into the world of media through cartoons and live action shows, his voice, likeness and persona became the glue that held Marvel’s story universes together and papered over shortcomings in early, cheap productions with wry humor.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
The deficits were papered over with a series of short-term fixes, including loans and accounting gimmicks.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
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
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
James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
As Marvel moved into the world of media through cartoons and live action shows, his voice, likeness and persona became the glue that held Marvel’s story universes together and papered over shortcomings in early, cheap productions with wry humor.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
The deficits were papered over with a series of short-term fixes, including loans and accounting gimmicks.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over
Verb
-
The controversy surrounding the transition blush technique is just another example of how easily, in many different fields and industries, Black women’s contributions go ignored, overlooked and erased.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Educators play a crucial role in our society, and the affordability crisis among America’s teachers can no longer be ignored.—
Randi Weingarten,
Time,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Located in a region with a rich mining history, the mine was worked in the 1880s before being concealed when the hillside was blasted down.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Many of Storey’s unauthorized expenditures were concealed among legitimate charges, the affidavit said.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Our room promised nothing short of bliss, equipped with a soaking tub, open shower, king bed, private jacuzzi, and patio that overlooked acres of lush greenery and the famous Whale Tail Beach.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
The Indigenous Setlist aims to dismantle even more preconceived notions about Native and Indigenous artists who are often overlooked despite their continued success.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Wilson was most often seen behind his fence (with his face mostly obscured), offering moral guidance and wisdom to Tim and the rest of the Taylor family.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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The Islamic Republic of Iran has accelerated its executions of dissidents and activists, with the true number of victims likely obscured by the regime’s internet censorship and blackout.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The governor has previously explained that difficult decisions must be made as the state could soon face an economic downturn.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
The recent fire heavily damaged the structure, and a structural assessment found that what remains is not salvageable, DPR explained.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
They’re crafted from water-resistant material that’s perfect for heading straight from the airport to the beach, thanks to an airy design that keeps feet covered and cool even on hot days.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
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Environmental activist group Save RGV (for Rio Grande Valley) contends the company's rocket launches have left nearby homes covered in debris, disrupted native wildlife and harmed air quality.—
Maya Blackstone,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Called hydrogenesis, the products from the first step are passed over special catalysts at 320°F (160°C) to make useful molecules like cycloalkanes, dense hydrocarbons, jet-fuel-range molecules.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
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Anyone who names a work-life boundary gets marked as less committed or passed over for stretch opportunities.—
Teresa Hopke,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The couple is seeking $25 million in damages, claiming that because their team didn’t have the documents suppressed, they were convicted on every count.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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Ukraine's air force said Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 221 drones in its latest barrage, of which 195 drones were intercepted or otherwise suppressed.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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