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 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 New Zealand Christmas trees, fig leaf plants and paspalum grass accent the outdoor living space. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025 His leadership team began weighing whether to offer Democrats a stand-alone vote on the expiring Obamacare subsidies around a week after funding lapsed, something Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) rejected as a fig leaf. David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025 The fig leaf conditional nature of the requirement makes little difference. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fig leaf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fig leaf
Noun
  • 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
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fig leaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fig%20leaf. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster