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

During the two-week trial, the jury heard Miah created a "smokescreen" of companies to mislead investigators, while he was actually running the entire operation himself.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2025

Some desert conservationists are critical of the efforts, saying the captive rearing program is essentially a smokescreen that distracts from the pressing need to conserve critical habitat.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2024

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