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 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 The resort reproduces an ancient Apulian town and farmhouse in a project that some locals have likened to a Mediterranean Potemkin village. Emma Bubola, New York Times, 11 June 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
  • In addition to messaging on screens, the Stagecoach app sent an alert for people to evacuate.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Another one came a minute later, when Brunson set an off-ball screen for Anunoby, who then beat Jalen Johnson on a backdoor cut to the paint.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These efforts worked — but only as a temporary shield.
    Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Warren used the Brink’s driver as a shield and pointed his gun at the guard.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Small branches can be clipped quickly and almost noiselessly and fashioned into an effective blind in only a few minutes.
    Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 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 2 May. 2026.

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