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 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 This leaves some experts questioning whether AI could be serving as a fig leaf for companies that are laying off employees for old-fashioned reasons, such as financial underperformance or global economic uncertainty. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 30 Oct. 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
  • But even when screens help families make it through a busy day, Amin said many parents still feel guilty about relying on them.
    — Tara Duncan, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • On top of that, many schools have kids spending lots of time on screens, even though staring at them for long periods can be stressful and exhausting.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of screen
Noun
  • Operating continuously beneath complex sub-river geology of riverbed silt and sand, the shield machine operated without intermediate access shafts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • Digital shield firewall with central computer processor and futuristic motherboard.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of shield
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
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 4 Aug. 2026.

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