Potemkin village

Definition of Potemkin villagenext

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 Potemkin village 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 Only Alain seems eager to ignore the disinformation and embrace this Potemkin village as the real deal (except when his eyes show a gathering concern). Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 But his proudest accomplishments amount to little more than a progressive Potemkin village. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Potemkin village
Noun
  • Creative desserts were added in late 2025, like a matcha-and-fig leaf gateaux served with green apple sorbet, and blood orange-and-yuza espuma, a fluffy citrus confection that hides a surprise of chocolate olive oil pieces.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • In this screen-free environment, the two narrators meet and form a friendship that strengthens them both.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • With citations to academic research, Horvath argues students learn better on paper and through discussion, and schools are harming children by sticking them behind a screen.
    Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 2 June 2026
  • Sherrill cited public safety concerns after officials reported protesters had set tires and chairs on fire, thrown makeshift projectiles and weaponized police shields.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • In some position groups — receiver, tight end, edge rushers, cornerback and safeties to be specific — the blind is leading the blind because there is no veteran presence in those rooms.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
  • The large slats of shutters might be easier to vacuum than those of mini blinds or even cellular shades, so make a plan based on your window blind type and style.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Potemkin village.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Potemkin%20village. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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