papered over

Definition of papered overnext
past tense of paper over

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papered over
Verb
  • The state dashboard and local improvement plans Brown touted are singled out for criticism in the report, essentially validating concerns that reformers had voiced but were ignored.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
  • In an April statement, the union said the company ignored its March 18 letter and several requests by phone, asking to lift the lockout and allow members to return to work while negotiations continue.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Some viewers took Sharon’s critique as tough love that prompted necessary introspection about why their natural texture is concealed and manipulated so often.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 14 May 2026
  • According to investigators, her body had been concealed beneath boxes and had likely been there for at least 24 hours.
    Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • By his own account, he was somewhat overlooked by the media.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
  • Treatment fatigue, in particular, is often overlooked.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Deadline shared a special preview of the series in January, with a slew of exclusive photos and a Q&A with Spiridakos, who shared insight into what fans can expect from the series and, in turn, explained some of the bits from the trailer.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • Short explained the life perspective that enables him to find joy amid all the heartbreak.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The report, issued on April 30, contains 14 recommendations, some of which were obscured from public view for security reasons.
    Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • Like too many others of his time, Smith’s sheer greatness tends to be obscured, his legacy overlooked.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The Hispanic Caucus’ PAC would continue to back their two preferred candidates who were passed over Monday by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, its chair said in a statement.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 May 2026
  • Decadent art, with its mannerism, also its enthusiasm for skulls, swords, strippers, and other Hot Topic motifs, is for some art historians an embarrassing cul-de-sac best passed over in favor of a narrative of formal progress leading inevitably to abstraction.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • As of last month, 62 percent of the vehicle covered in the recall had already received the update.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
  • Storefronts once crammed with shoppers, now covered by tarps.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • His attorney cited Meade's oral and written accounts of what happened, and said the shooting was justified.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 May 2026
  • Authorities said a fourth one was ruled to be justified by self-defense.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Papered over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papered%20over. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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