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
: hide, conceal
Synonyms
- blink (at)
- brush (aside or off)
- condone
- discount
- disregard
- excuse
- forgive
- gloss (over)
- gloze (over)
- ignore
- overlook
- overpass
- pardon
- pass over
- remit
- shrug off
- whitewash
- wink (at)
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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
Word History
First Known Use
1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1
paper over
verb
1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance the differences between the two factions are too great to be papered over in the name of party unity Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ignore
- forgive
- pass over
- overlook
- explain
- pardon
- justify
- excuse
- shrug off
- discount
- disregard
- brush (aside or off)
- forgive and forget
- gloss (over)
- condone
- gloze (over)
- remit
- blink (at)
- whitewash
- overpass
- wink (at)
- close one's eyes to
- rationalize
- vindicate
- exonerate
- exculpate
- acquit
- wave (aside or off)
- waive
- absolve
- clear
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- note
- object (to)
- mark
- mind
- heed
2
as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view the company tried to paper over its red ink, issuing assurances that it was still financially sound Synonyms & Similar Words
- hide
- conceal
- obscure
- blot out
- cover
- mask
- disguise
- suppress
- curtain
- cloak
- veil
- blanket
- screen
- occult
- shroud
- block
- enshroud
- belie
- overshadow
- camouflage
- bury
- varnish
- shade
- gloss (over)
- smother
- cloud
- eclipse
- cover (up)
- whitewash
- gild
- overcast
- obstruct
- darken
- occlude
- becloud
- bedim
- befog
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- bring out
- show
- reveal
- display
- disclose
- expose
- present
- divulge
- uncover
- bare
- unveil
- clarify
- unmask
- uncloak
- publish
- broadcast
- proclaim
- advertise
- illuminate
- spread
- air
- get out
- publicize