fig leaf

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 Federal agents are going through people's phones, going into homes without a warrant, under the fig leaf of this 230-year-old Alien Enemies Act. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, another lush option is a fig leaf folded into the Ledena cuff. Lily Templeton, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025 Barring stop-work orders to extend programs into the future destroys the fig leaf of just ensuring that NGOs don’t get stiffed. The Editors, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025 With these concerns in mind, offering information like the pope drinking coffee is a fig leaf gesture to provide something — anything — new for the rabid journalists demanding updates amid a volatile and guarded prognosis. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fig leaf
Noun
  • 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
Noun
  • The vivacity of the art form broke through the screen courtesy of Erivo’s capacity to blast through any barrier with her truthful virtuosity.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • But the second Trump administration has seen DEI efforts south of the border come under attack, with the U.S. entertainment industry putting efforts to diverse screen content on the back burner.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Bielema was coaching the punt shield phase of the Badgers special teams unit and was ready to make a bold call.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Critics have raised concerns that the effort to create such a shield would raise suspicions and exacerbate a global arms race as well as accelerate the weaponization of space.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • During this service, the cleaners will scrub all surfaces, such as baseboards, cabinet fronts, blinds and more.
    Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Spray the cabinet front, then wipe with a damp cloth. To prevent yellowing, protect your cabinets from direct sunlight by using shades, blinds, or curtains.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fig%20leaf. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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