fig leaf

noun

Definition of fig leafnext
as in Potemkin village

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fig leaf Critics, however, argued that the focus on local control was a fig leaf for austerity and dismantling the welfare state. — National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Cocktails include the Rebujito, made with a sherry blend, Spanish melon, lemon, tonic and mint; the Fig Leaf Boulevardier, with Japanese whisky, Campari, Cocchi Rosa and fig leaf liqueur; and the Sea Buckthorn 75, featuring genmaicha gin, sea buckthorn cordial, lemon and Champagne. — Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 But for houses connected to public water and sewer, lot size rules are arbitrary, lacking even a fig leaf of public health or safety concern. — Salim Furth, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026 But the waste disposal issue provides a fig leaf to nuclear skeptics. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fig leaf
  1. Potemkin village
  2. screen
  3. shield
  4. blind
Noun
  • The Swedish government has come up with some drastically different economic figures on Russia that make the Kremlin’s official data seem like a Potemkin village.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 May 2026
  • But when Microsoft built the Potemkin village that is Copilot and charged for it, well, no thank you.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of Potemkin village
Noun
  • Unilever’s reported forecast-accuracy gain and a faster acquisition screen are operational improvements.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Craig missed far too many layups, including on screens and a handful of pivotal third- and fourth-down conversions.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of screen
Noun
  • An adult purple gallinule has a bright purple and green body with a pale blue marking that resembles a shield above its red and yellow bill.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • The second installation attempt for the large blind was successful.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • If that metering proves accurate enough in real-world use, the C100 could be both a fun blind-shooting gadget and a handy companion for film photographers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of blind

Browse Nearby Words

fights shy of
fig leaf
fig leafs
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Cite this Entry

“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fig%20leaf. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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