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
  • The worst place at a factory to work for was always the screen-printing department—the hot metal and lacquer thinner produce pungent toxins that workers have no choice but to inhale.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Cage said that the public announcements and screens will have messages in different languages as well.
    Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • This lightweight neck gaiter can function as a sweatband, face covering, hat, or neck shield, depending on what the day calls for.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
  • Major shield shades and a striking pendant give it a healthy dose of attitude.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 11 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potemkin village.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Potemkin%20village. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster