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

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.
See more of our favorite Amazon dress finds below, including ones with summer floral patterns perfect for Sundays, ones with tulle skirts for weddings, and even casual button-downs that can double as a cover-up. Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 11 May 2026 But at the end of Season 2, Ritter’s Julian admits to his part in a massive cover-up — something Marshall was thrilled to see, despite their characters finally being on good terms. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 11 May 2026 Save big on comfortable, breezy apparel, including a beach cover-up, casual denim shorts, and more. Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 The conspiracy theorists, YouTubers, and tin-foil hatters have long kept the UFO conversation alive, pushing claims of hidden sightings, secret programs, and government cover-ups into mainstream culture. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

cover-up

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

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