paper over

verb

Definition of paper overnext
1
as in to ignore
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to conceal
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

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 paper over The scrambles to paper over the shortfalls essentially kick the fiscal can down the road without addressing the underlying causes. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Although the history of British colonialism is every bit as violent as the history of slavery, it’s just been papered over with Queen Victoria and niceties. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026 Spread paper towels or paper over a work surface and label a paper plate or shallow container for each variety. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 July 2026 The Democrats’ bad brand, and their willingness to hand influence to outside groups to paper over it, has increasingly become a problem for them this year. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paper over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paper over
  1. ignore
  2. conceal
  3. forgive
  4. hide
  5. overlook
  6. obscure
  7. explain
  8. cover
Verb
  • There is so much going on in all of our lives but far too much beauty in this world to ignore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many structures are built with substandard materials and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs.
    — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • The listening device was plugged into a USB port on the back of a television, concealed by a small piece of toilet paper, according to the FBI.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The device, which had a detachable camera sensor, digital microphone, and microSD storage, was concealed in toilet paper, according to the complaint.
    — Dan Mangan,Eamon Javers,Paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of conceal
Verb
  • Season one struggled to incorporate all of those elements of Lee without either forgiving or betraying his flaws.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The technique is simple, the result is visible and the cut list is forgiving.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • Ambarchi is the director who makes occasional cameos, hiding with his guitar in the shadows until stepping forward only when necessary.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Rooms New Paltz Way’s rooms are a balance of airy minimalism and natural textures, most with access to balconies that overlook the lush, leafy Rail Trail in the town of New Paltz.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Do not overlook the impact of any financial windfalls, either.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of overlook
Verb
  • What resonated most for me, though, was witnessing conversations where depth of understanding unveiled perspectives previously obscured.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While the planets in our solar system are still visible, sky glow obscures more distant objects, such as fainter stars.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of obscure
Verb
  • Kelly said she was impressed by Sand’s ability to not only answer complex policy questions off the cuff but also to explain the context of the issue for others in the audience who might not have been as familiar.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Faulk explained the section from the Old Applehill Road to Douglas Street is considered a limited access highway because the state does not want businesses creating their own access points.
    — Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Today, Flex is largely viewed as a traditional manufacturing company, sometimes covered by industrials analysts rather than technology analysts.
    — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Alongside these are conventional effects plugins covering reverb, delay, chorus, compression, EQ, distortion/saturation, and pitch shifting.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of cover

Browse Nearby Words

paper money
paper over
papers
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Cite this Entry

“Paper over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paper%20over. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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