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
  • Even the wokest of the wokes are ignoring poor Megan.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Our detailed reporting agitated the government, which went from ignoring our existence to breathing down our necks.
    Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The Dodge County District Attorney’s Office also formally charged Aaron with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse, the sheriff’s office said.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • The companies submitted the request Monday after a criminal indictment accused the operator, Synergy Marine Private Limited, and an employee of failing to comply with maritime safety laws, falsifying inspections, and hiding dangerous conditions on the ship.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Hart has previously reflected on his feelings about his father and forgiving him for not being around for his childhood due to his struggles with drug addiction and multiple stints in jail.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • Yet he was also chided for too easily forgiving and embracing those who repented their anti-Jewish remarks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Clad in black and concealing their faces, the rioters hurled dangerous flares and pyrotechnics directly onto the playing surface.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • The tiered skirt adds visual interest while also concealing my lower stomach, and the fabric was breathable enough to keep me from melting during an outdoor ceremony in humid Iowa weather — no easy feat!
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The pool sits on a sprawling terrace, overlooking the sea for maximum tranquility.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 14 May 2026
  • Continue to Totem Bight State Historical Park, where totems rise from a rainforest overlooking the Tongass Narrows.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • The event has been criticized as promoting Christian nationalism and obscuring the lines separating church and state.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 17 May 2026
  • Breaking up or obscuring the reflection makes the glass visible to birds, preventing them from hitting your windows.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • On Sunday, May 3, a United Boeing 767-400 coming from Venice, Italy, came into contact with the pole while passing over a major roadway at a very low elevation on its final approach, the carrier confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
  • The incident occurred when the plane was passing over the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Romano points out that, when Lincoln emerged as a dark horse in the 1860 Presidential race, journalists covering the election sometimes found Mary more impressive than her spouse.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • People struggling with student loans, in particular, must often choose between covering today’s bills and saving for tomorrow.
    Mary Moreland, Fortune, 17 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 22 May. 2026.

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