PAPER OVER Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

paper over

verb

Definition of paper over

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Social Security faces a looming financing shortfall that no peripheral reform can paper over. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Boston Herald, 18 May 2026 The saga — full of botched timelines, unverified vandalism claims and now toxicity concerns — has become an unlikely metaphor for the administration’s broader instinct to paper over problems rather than fix them. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026 This is why so much of the software industry has had to invent entire departments, customer success, customer experience, onboarding specialists, to paper over the gap between what was sold and what is actually experienced. — Salim Gheewalla, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Given that the conflict between Rudd and Marcus becomes sweaty as hell to begin with (Rudd grows paranoid that Marcus will steal his spotlight), Spicer’s film would have been well-served to paper over it in favor of a few extra gags. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paper over

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paper over

Verb

Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of ignore

Verb

The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature.

— Nathan Pilling July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
But an airline passenger in Indianapolis was caught using a peanut butter jar to conceal something altogether more concerning.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of conceal

Verb

Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of forgive

Verb

For loungability there’s a king bed, a hide-a-bed sofa, a fireplace and theater seats.

— Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
When Fluffy failed to come out of hiding after 24 hours, Melissa Kirby and her husband began making and posting missing cat posters around their neighborhood.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of hide

Verb

While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.

— Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.

— Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of obscure

Verb

Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Davies explains that Provenance adds value, as does good condition, because textiles are particularly unforgiving and easy to damage.

— Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Witnesses expressed shock over the incident, with one man arriving to his Walmart to shop and finding the parking lot covered in crime scene tape.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The technology has drawn public controversy since Detroit first signed a contract covering certain police precincts in 2020, and again in late 2022.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of cover

Browse Nearby Words

paper money

paper over

papers

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Style

“Paper over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paper%20over. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of paper over

verb

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