cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
Synonyms of cover-upnext
1
a
: a device or stratagem for masking or concealing
his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity
b
: a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2
: a loose outer garment

Synonyms of cover-up

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Examples of cover-up in a Sentence

that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Toss these cute shorts over your swimsuit for a simple cover-up, and thank me later. — Bria McNeal, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2026 But the evidence soon leads them to a cover-up, putting them on a collision course with the entire chain of command. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 June 2026 The speech that Coleman Domingo made demanding an end to cover-ups was passionate and stirring. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The Euphoria star paired the summery swimwear with a baseball cap and a timeless cover-up from her Syrn Playful collection. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cover-up

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover-up was in 1927

Rhymes for cover-up

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Browse Nearby Words

cover type
cover-up
covet
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Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

cover-up

noun
cov·​er-up
ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp
: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

More from Merriam-Webster on cover-up

Nglish: Translation of cover-up for Spanish Speakers

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