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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.

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

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Attorney Mark Geragos, who represented Tipping’s father, accused the department of a cover-up by failing to turn over key evidence, such as a training baton used during the scenario.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Some I have spoken to were also spooked by Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, managing to personalise the issue - telling Labour MPs that they risked individually becoming party to a "cover-up".

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The move just before the start of a scheduled trial prompted speculation and accusations of a cover-up.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

That was a terrible cover-up, and he knew it, and I could tell that he knew it.

From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.