fig leaf

noun

Definition of fig leafnext
Enter your own sentence containing fig leaf , and get words to replace it.
loading
as in Potemkin village

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Using them as a fig leaf to impose tariffs on all goods in contradiction to an existing trade agreement is clearly contrary to congressional intent. — The Editors, National Review, 2 Feb. 2025 The countertop acts as the bar, with the silver cylinders housing opening flavors: gingerbread; an almost savory fig leaf, oolong, and prune; mellow sorbets. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025 With the insurgents holding out for a settlement only on their own terms, Washington would then be forced to choose between a weak agreement providing a fig leaf for its abandonment of the country, a total failure of negotiations, and the indefinite engagement of U.S. combat troops. — Ronald E. Neumann, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2012 Unfortunately, that skepticism is often accompanied by a reflexive suspicion that any support for human rights is a fig leaf for imperialism. — Matthew Duss, Foreign Affairs, 22 Oct. 2020 See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fig leaf
  1. Potemkin village
  2. screen
  3. shield
  4. blind
Noun
  • Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder portray a married couple who build a Potemkin village of eco-friendly homes and pour-over coffee shops in a struggling New Mexico town.
    — Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
  • But behind the Potemkin village, the Khmer Rouge regime is declining and the war with Vietnam threatens to invade the country.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Nov. 2024
Definition of Potemkin village
Noun
  • The video screens are a major feature of the setup.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Around the corner in an adjoining room, a silvery space-age pinball machine sits with a cartoon-style side profile of Pharrell Williams backlit above the screen that displays the score.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of screen
Noun
  • The emergence of prompt shields and spotlight prompting has arisen due to the various hacking efforts trying to get generative AI to go beyond its filters and usual protections.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the change in shield design from the blue-and-gold badge that probation officers have worn for decades to a silver shield almost identical to NYPD patrol shields is being criticized by Dalvanie Powell, the president of the United Probation Officers Association.
    — Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the kitchen includes heated floors, electric blinds and access to the terrace through a folding glass wall.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • They have been replaced by a set of stark, white blinds.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of blind

Browse Nearby Words

fights shy of
fig leaf
fig leafs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fig%20leaf. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All