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
  • For those of us who aren’t able to tuck our bins into a garage, concealing them with a trellis, privacy hedge, or another creative fix can help maintain your curb appeal while also ensuring access doesn’t become a problem.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026
  • The main level opens through a 10-foot custom entry door to a foyer with Pierre Frey fabric wall upholstery and dual hidden doors concealing a powder room and a walk-in coat closet.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 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
  • Jay Blackman Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.
    Jay Blackman, NBC news, 4 May 2026
  • Samantha Ketterer is a Houston Chronicle reporter covering higher education.
    Samantha Ketterer, Houston Chronicle, 3 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 10 May. 2026.

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