paint out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To obliterate by painting over.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Joseph's face was painted out. In place of Joseph's monarchic face the word Constitution was painted in. But the reign of Joseph was not over.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To describe, possibly so as to misrepresent.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “paint out” mean?
To obliterate by painting over.
Is “paint out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.