fig leaf

Definition of fig leafnext

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fig leaf
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
Noun
  • The logo of Bitget is displayed on a smartphone screen with a stock market chart in the background, in Créteil, France, on June 30, 2026.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • With Game Picture Mode enabled, every pixel on the screen goes towards keeping you immersed in your games by ensuring that the entire display is used.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • What many people enjoying these beaches don't realize is that this iconic stretch of sand is also a critical line of defense—a massive engineering shield protecting our vital infrastructure.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This celestial shield keeps harmful solar wind, cosmic rays and radiation at bay, preventing the atmosphere from being stripped away.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The second installation attempt for the large blind was successful.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • If that metering proves accurate enough in real-world use, the C100 could be both a fun blind-shooting gadget and a handy companion for film photographers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2026

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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 Oct. 2026.

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