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
Murthy papers over this challenge somewhat in his op-ed.
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Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 18 June 2024
There were other issues early on in 2022 that the not-so-bad record papered over — including an aging back-line and a flurry personnel decisions that didn’t materialize until the team’s epic late-season resurgence.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2024
Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly are spectacular here, and for once, their considerable skills aren’t papering over deficiencies in the material.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 29 May 2024
Both countries sought to paper over their differences through two informal summits in 2018 and 2019, but the worst was yet to come.
—Praveen Donthi, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper over 
Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 18 June 2024
There were other issues early on in 2022 that the not-so-bad record papered over — including an aging back-line and a flurry personnel decisions that didn’t materialize until the team’s epic late-season resurgence.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2024
Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly are spectacular here, and for once, their considerable skills aren’t papering over deficiencies in the material.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 29 May 2024
Both countries sought to paper over their differences through two informal summits in 2018 and 2019, but the worst was yet to come.
—Praveen Donthi, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for paper over
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paper over.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 7 Jul. 2024.
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