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Showing results for red herring. Search instead for lehrherren.
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

Just recall, though, that “This time is different” is a notorious red herring.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

This subsidy thing is, again, a red herring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

"The initial narrative has proven a bit of a red herring," said Mill Pond Research's Caen.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 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