paper over

verb

papered over; papering over; papers over

transitive verb

1
: to gloss over, explain away, or patch up (differences, disparities, etc.) especially in order to maintain a semblance of unity or agreement
2

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
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.
Such frustrations are felt while watching the film, and are only slightly papered over by the final dedication title card which spells out the film’s well-meaning mission quite bluntly. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024 The door is papered over, and curtains are drawn over the front doors. Chris Crowley, Curbed, 15 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for paper over 

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper over was in 1910

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 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!