PAPERING OVER Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

papering over

verb

present participle of paper over

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 But many residents worry that the festive mood and infrastructure works risk papering over the security crisis that still affects their daily lives. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 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 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

There is a danger in drawing comparisons between current events and the Nazi Holocaust, but there is a greater danger in ignoring the similarities.

— David Pollak, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
When a motorist receives a moving violation, there are consequences for ignoring the summons.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignoring

Verb

The trio were found hiding in a ditch about 200 yards from where they were pulled over, according to the news release.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
After six months of war, the deadlock has left the Islamic Republic bitterly divided, while its ultimate arbiter, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in hiding.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of hiding

Verb

Since then, the front portico of the building has been covered by a construction tarp, concealing most of its name.

— Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
The group is accused of diverting association dues, insurance, loan proceeds and collection revenues (others fees such as fines or special assessments) while concealing the flow of the money.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of concealing

Verb

Organizations frequently prioritize a perfect match over assessing true capability, overlooking internal talent for development.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Japan never threatened after that, struggling as Martina mixed in fastballs and curveballs to oohs and ahs from the nearly 22,000 fans who packed the bleachers and steep hill overlooking the outfield.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of overlooking

Verb

Forward vision is excellent because there’s no roof, A-pillars, or much of anything obscuring your view (the only model above the Signature Edition, called the Grand Touring, does include a roof of sorts).

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The glass is reeded and translucent, obscuring the line cooks behind it.

— Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of obscuring

Verb

Related Articles The board previously resolved to erect new buildings for the Latino Museum and the American Women’s History Museum, passing over Arts and Industries.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The August 12 eclipse swept across the Northern Hemisphere, traveling from Russia to Spain and passing over parts of Greenland, Iceland and Portugal.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of passing over

Verb

Pack a tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in your first aid kit instead of antibiotic ointment and remember to flush all scrapes and cuts with copious amounts of clean water before covering them with the jelly.

— Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Ground surveys can provide more detailed information at a particular site, but covering an entire subway corridor that way would be difficult.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of covering

Browse Nearby Words

papered over

papering over

paper money

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“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of papering over

verb

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