1
as in ignoring
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 hiding
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
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Recent Examples of papering over
The improvement between Gemini 2 and Gemini 3 may be papering over a more serious flaw.
—
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
Yet the money manager remains hopeful that fiscal stimulus — more government spending coupled with consumer and business tax breaks — from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill will start to take effect in a few months, papering over any nascent economic weakness.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
If lawmakers are serious about affordability and homeownership, this is the structural reform that actually solves the problem rather than papering over it.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Dee Winters undercut a pass and returned it 74 yards for a game-sealing score, papering over a shaky performance by the 49ers’ defense.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
But the results were papering over some crumbly performances.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
Yet the money manager remains hopeful that fiscal stimulus — more government spending coupled with consumer and business tax breaks — from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill will start to take effect in a few months, papering over any nascent economic weakness.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
If lawmakers are serious about affordability and homeownership, this is the structural reform that actually solves the problem rather than papering over it.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Dee Winters undercut a pass and returned it 74 yards for a game-sealing score, papering over a shaky performance by the 49ers’ defense.
—Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
But the results were papering over some crumbly performances.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papering over
Verb
-
Separate video from Washington shows House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries ignoring a CNN reporter’s question about what should happen with Cherfilus-McCormick.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
-
In that 2024 series, the Wolves used Rudy Gobert as a roving rim protector while ignoring Aaron Gordon in the corner.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit alleged that Alden facilities often were staffed at just 50 percent of the legal requirements, then hiding it from regulators in part through ghost workers and false reports.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Stop hiding behind other people and just say it yourself.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For now, at least, the audience seems forgiving, which lets Jomboy try new things.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Misprision of felony involves someone knowing a felony was committed, and concealing it and failing to report it to authorities as soon as possible.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Just days before the child’s death, Supervisor Arenas had castigated agency officials for concealing a November status report from the state that listed unresolved concerns.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The family room has an original Eastlake-style mantle over a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a five-window bay overlooking Burton Street.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The bedrooms include a primary suite (stay here for a private terrace with valley views), plus additional rooms overlooking the gardens.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
To make your windows sparkle, make sure there are no smudges obscuring the spring sunlight.—
Lori Keong,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Thick or layered clouds can violate flight rules by obscuring visibility and increasing the risk of lightning strikes triggered by the rocket’s ascent.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At the time of liftoff, the ISS — currently home to the seven-member Expedition 74 crew — was passing over the northern Pacific Ocean, too far away for the astronauts to see the launch directly.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The supervisors appointed Curtis in a 3-2 vote, passing over Joanna Francescut, who had worked in the elections office since 2008 and was Darling Allen’s number two.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
One of the people listening was an imposing but soft-spoken guy dressed in black, with a baseball cap nearly covering his eyes.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Shohei Ohtani bounced the first pitch to first baseman Troy Johnston, who fielded it and flipped the ball over the head of pitcher Ryan Feltner, covering first base.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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