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
  • Saunders was also a longtime staple on Baltimore TV screens, working for WJZ until 2013.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • As Taylor Swift appeared on the screen at Nissan Stadium during Alan Jackson's farewell concert in Nashville, the singer-songwriter was met with boos and cheers during her special video message.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Pair it with flip-flops, shield sunglasses, and a silver pendant necklace for a look that feels minimal but edgy.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • On the wall across the bar are autographs of former USMNT greats, scrawled inside a mighty shield.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 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 3 Jul. 2026.

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