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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of papering over
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
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
-
The Europeans are shrugging off these comments, if not ignoring them entirely.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Still, waiting or ignoring the issue can quickly turn a short-term cash crunch into a longer-term financial problem.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The fourth-largest barrier reef in the world, Anegada's Horseshoe Reef draws beginner snorkelers and dedicated divers to colorful corals hiding sublime marine life.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
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This is a pipeline-optionality story hiding inside a cash-flow machine.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Now, Billy Ray is reportedly trying to make amends with his family, but Tish isn’t so forgiving.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rules aim to address noise, lighting and concealing landscaping.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
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Li is suspected of involvement in offenses including operating gambling dens, fraud, unlawful business operations and concealing and disguising the proceeds of crime, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Beijing’s Ministry of Public Security.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The dishes arrive simultaneously for all diners, creating an almost theatrical shared experience at bespoke hemlock-wood tables beneath floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
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Wait for the sun to set and draw a bath overlooking the lights of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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To make your windows sparkle, make sure there are no smudges obscuring the spring sunlight.—
Lori Keong,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
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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
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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
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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
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Angela Dugalić got to feast in the post, always enjoying a size advantage with the biggest player covering Betts, scoring 9 points and adding five rebounds and four assists.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Two officers were seen covering the object with a canopy.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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