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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.

Human rights activists and relatives of the missing quickly denounced the report as a cover-up — the latest attempt to “disappear the disappeared.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

This fuelled claims of a cover-up, which authorities have denied.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

One thing is certain: The cover-up isn’t being conducted in the shadows.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Residents have raised concerns about the risk of a serious accident, citing frequent cover-up scandals, minor accidents and evacuation plans they say are inadequate.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

“I don’t think they’re hacking birds. I think it’s a cover-up for something else. But I don’t know what.”

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George