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.

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

But Prime Minister Keir Starmer vehemently denied the accusations in parliament as "a red herring" and "completely scurrilous".

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

But I also think the question itself is a red herring.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2025

Kim, the deputy director of North Korea's propaganda department, said Seoul's claim was an "unfounded unilateral supposition and a red herring".

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

Since Francis had assured me that they were a red herring, I decided to risk a full explosion.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

red herring

Example Sentences

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