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Definitions

red herring

[red her-ing] / ˈrɛd ˈhɛr ɪŋ /
NOUN
misleading clue
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ploy smokescreen
WEAK
attention-grabber bait commotion curve ball deviation distraction distractor disturbance diversion diversionary tactic false clue false face false trail fool's errand gimmick interruption maneuver wild-goose chase

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in the case of Iran, the whole exercise is a bit of a red herring.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

Firm jobs growth could also be a "red herring," warned EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco in a recent note.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

Cardenas, noting that all the contributions he receives from those who come before the board are fully disclosed, calls the issue a red herring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

In the end, the occult trappings were a red herring, apparently intended to throw police off the scent of the real culprits and the real motive.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

President Truman called the trial a "red herring," and Secretary of State Dean Acheson declared, "I do not intend to turn my back on Alger Hiss."

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau