paper over

verb

papered over; papering over; papers over

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

: hide, conceal

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.

This book makes the case that there is a subtler iniquity in the sins of forgetting, in papering over, in moving in and moving on. —

Chloe Schama, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2024 But compromising on the long-term vision will only paper over the cracks. —

Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 Will Lewis The Washington Post CEO purchased a Georgetown home for $7 million last spring amid turmoil at the paper over his management. —

Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024 Producers couldn’t go into the field to re-create moments to paper over gaps in emerging stories. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for paper over