papering over

Definition of papering overnext
present participle of paper over
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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 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 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
  • Prosecutors accused the trust, which convinced a federal district judge to order a temporary pause in construction, of ignoring claims that the project is needed to bolster national security.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But three days after withdrawing the lawsuit, Florida sued CMS for a third time, accusing the federal agency of ignoring the state’s public records request related to CMS’ approval of the KidCare expansion.
    Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hospital surveillance footage captured Talley pointing the gun at the room where the technician was hiding, Pekara said, before starting to make his way out of the building.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • After a search of the area, police located both suspects, who police said are teenagers, hiding nearby and took both into custody.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Thankfully Pal was forgiving, and didn’t hold a grudge for poor riding.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Many of them are made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics or soft knits that bounce back after being packed, while others rely on flowy silhouettes and forgiving textures that don’t show creases.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • William Scott Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island faces four charges, which include conspiracy, disorderly conduct, shoplifting by concealing merchandise and interfering with a police officer.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Misprision of felony involves someone knowing a felony was committed, and concealing it and failing to report it to authorities as soon as possible.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What to read next The Japanese eatery, Yutori, is an open-air circular restaurant overlooking the sea.
    Ann Lee, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
  • All Angelenos saw were enormous letters appearing on a ridge overlooking the freeway, and the city lost its mind.
    Matti Yahav, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ror all its strengths, Muskism’s account of the rise and influence of its protagonist is one squarely focused on ideology, obscuring the broader political and economic forces working behind the scenes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Records provided to The Star about the Alpha Tau Omega case were heavily redacted, obscuring the specific allegations against fraternity members.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The homeowner, Thania Magana, said flight data showed a plane passing over her neighborhood at the time, according to Hahn.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Their station Y’Allternative will also be covering the festival on Sunday.
    Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Before the Hill, Cusack was a reporter and editor for Inside Washington Publishers, covering the Labor Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.
    Bob Cusack, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Papering over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papering%20over. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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