paper over
verb
papered over; papering over; papers over
1
: to gloss over, explain away, or patch up (differences, disparities, etc.) especially in order to maintain a semblance of unity or agreement
Synonyms
Examples of paper over in a Sentence
the differences between the two factions are too great to be papered over in the name of party unity
the company tried to paper over its red ink, issuing assurances that it was still financially sound
Recent Examples on the Web
To its credit, the sheer entertainment value of Romulus is enough to paper over most of its weaknesses.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
More meaningful, perhaps, is the criticism that reflects the continuing divisions between the party’s left and center that Biden’s presidency papered over — a conflict that seems destined to be revived in the coming months and years.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
His speech about moving forward and feeling proud of his players sounds about right, a PR attempt designed to paper over the past and create space for a new Hernandez-less Patriots.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
In a 1988 promotional ad for WXYZ-TV’s weathercasters, Jerry Hodak threw a crumpled piece of paper over his shoulder, which Rob Kress caught in a wastebasket without even looking away from his desk.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper over 
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.
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024
More meaningful, perhaps, is the criticism that reflects the continuing divisions between the party’s left and center that Biden’s presidency papered over — a conflict that seems destined to be revived in the coming months and years.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
His speech about moving forward and feeling proud of his players sounds about right, a PR attempt designed to paper over the past and create space for a new Hernandez-less Patriots.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
In a 1988 promotional ad for WXYZ-TV’s weathercasters, Jerry Hodak threw a crumpled piece of paper over his shoulder, which Rob Kress caught in a wastebasket without even looking away from his desk.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper over
Dictionary Entries Near paper over
Cite this Entry
“Paper over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20over. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share