smokescreen

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.

Flattery in state media underscored the dictator’s need to establish cult-of-personality supremacy as a smokescreen for his nation’s woes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

The smokescreen even featured daily schedules that appeared to leave time for weekend golf games, and announcements of meetings for his senior officials.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

It is intended to replicate hunting without killing animals, but critics claim it can be used as a "smokescreen" for the real thing.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2024

The plaintiffs contend that the ability of users to choose an alternative to Google search is nothing but a smokescreen obscuring its powerful dominance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2023

And the other girls gathered their tampons, gummi bears, and beauty samples — a smokescreen of female products — and headed back up to the surface.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray