papering over

Definition of papering overnext
present participle of paper over
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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for papering over
Verb
  • Prosecutors accused the trust, which convinced a federal district judge to order a temporary pause in construction, of ignoring claims that the project is needed to bolster national security.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But three days after withdrawing the lawsuit, Florida sued CMS for a third time, accusing the federal agency of ignoring the state’s public records request related to CMS’ approval of the KidCare expansion.
    Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Talley was found hiding under a porch and arrested for the second time that day.
    Michael Tobin, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • One of the United States’ largest fisheries is hiding in plain sight.
    Matthew Robertson, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Thankfully Pal was forgiving, and didn’t hold a grudge for poor riding.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Polyester is a more low-maintenance, forgiving fabric.
    Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her caretaker had allegedly been concealing and profiting from her death.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • Things began heating up in 2024, when Mamba Negra opened as a rooftop bar concealing a lab where guests move through an eight-part cocktail tasting that's made with 100 percent Colombian ingredients.
    Allie Lazar, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Hough included another video in which she was seen taking a ice bath on a wooden deck overlooking lush tropical greenery.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • In the outdoor rooftop setting overlooking the beaches and mountains, local breathwork specialist Gustavo took me on a restorative vinyasa journey.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Ror all its strengths, Muskism’s account of the rise and influence of its protagonist is one squarely focused on ideology, obscuring the broader political and economic forces working behind the scenes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Records provided to The Star about the Alpha Tau Omega case were heavily redacted, obscuring the specific allegations against fraternity members.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The homeowner, Thania Magana, said flight data showed a plane passing over her neighborhood at the time, according to Hahn.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Heather Long, a chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union who made her name covering the pandemic recession, believes the sentiment data speaks to something real.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 May 2026
  • There’s a reason fans are already covering his statue outside Truist Park — frozen forever in his signature stance, left arm resting on the dugout rail, left leg bent in that familiar crouch — with flowers, handwritten notes and heartfelt tributes.
    Jesús Cano, New York Times, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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