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
Recent league wins over Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves papered over the cracks in patchy performances as the champions climbed back into the top four.
—
James Pearce, New York Times, 2 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
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
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
James Pearce, New York Times, 2 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
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
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
-
For weeks, the FDC, from its communication staff to Secretary Mark Inch, has ignored questions from reporters about how many inmates were being tested, how many tests were coming back positive, how many were coming back negative and how many were pending.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The woman expresses frustration that her financial reality seems ignored.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There's no way this can be concealed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Surveillance camera footage from a nearby residence showed Erik Campbell pleading with Thomas to show him what’s in his pocket; Thomas Campbell’s right hand was concealed inside a hoodie pocket.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Home décor that’s often overlooked?—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Additionally, Capra says customizing your hardware is one detail that shouldn't be overlooked to add warmth through personalization.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In an interview with Interesting Engineering, UEL researcher Daehyun Kim explained that SCARABS focuses on exploration reliability rather than experimental payloads.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Night vision goggles worn by the pilot and hoist operator give a tube of vision, explained Atkins.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Compare that with bigger names like Rolex or Patek Philippe, where the payoff for spending more is deliberately obscured.—
The Editors,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Shiri’s face was obscured by an image originally created by Vancouver street artist iHeart.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
And the health department is hearing from other providers who are being passed over.—
Suzanne King,
Kansas City Star,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Bedard was the only other player from that group passed over by Doug Armstrong’s management group, but he’s also currently sidelined by a shoulder injury.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Later that day, the parents of other dancers and talent-show participants complained that my afro had covered up their kids on-screen.—
Questlove,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The designer, known for his sustainable approach to fashion, made the Mudac’s modernist building pop with a selection of his exuberant beaded creations, and covered an entire room in recycled colored plastic balls in a preview of his upcoming venture into interior design.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But his approach was justified with a surprising 9-7 finish in his first season.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Or is she justified in refusing to take more blame than war, governments, or the ocean itself?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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