Definitions

cover-up

[kuhv-er-uhp] / ˈkʌv ərˌʌp /

NOUN

concealing; preventing investigation or exposure

Synonyms

STRONGEST

complicity conspiracy evasion

STRONG

burial camouflage concealment dissimulation front masking pretense whitewash

WEAK

closeting disguising hush-up placing under wraps seal of secrecy smokescreen veil of secrecy

VERB

conceal

Synonyms

STRONG

batten black out bottle up bury camouflage conceal cover deflect disguise dissemble equivocate gloss guard hush up inhume inter mask misinform misrepresent misrepresent/misquote obscure paint protect screen secrete shelter shield stifle suppress veil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yes, he had worked hard to cover up his crimes but they were discoverable upon close examination.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

She said her administration won’t cover up for anyone who has committed a crime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

The jury agreed that these allegations were a manufactured excuse to cover up unlawful retaliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The company fired back from its official X account on April 12: “Justin’s favorite move is playing the victim while making baseless allegations to cover up his own misconduct.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

I spat the words, wanting to lash out at someone, to feed the anger and cover up my hurt feelings.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

cover-up

Example Sentences

Related Words