cover-up

noun

cov·​er-up ˈkə-vər-ˌəp How to pronounce cover-up (audio)
1
a
: a device or stratagem for masking or concealing
his garrulousness is a cover-up for insecurity
b
: a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2
: a loose outer garment

Examples of cover-up in a Sentence

that contrived burglary was just a cover-up for murder
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.
Dry scalps and root cover-ups usually don’t play well together, but this formula is an exception. Neha Tandon, Glamour, 12 May 2025 Stick to a cohesive color palette—think neutrals with a few pops of color—and choose versatile pieces like a matching set or an oversized button-down that can double as a cover-up. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025 The Diocese of Chiclayo denied a cover-up, and Prevost has never been personally accused of abusing members of his flock. Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 9 May 2025 Francis and Pope Benedict XVI took steps to end decades of abuse and cover-ups, changing church laws to punish abusers and their clerical superiors who hid their wrongdoing. Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cover-up

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cover-up was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Cover-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cover-up. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cover-up

noun
cov·​er-up
ˈkəv-ə-ˌrəp
: a planned effort to conceal a wrongful act or situation

More from Merriam-Webster on cover-up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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