snake oil

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.

A certain snake oil salesman ensured that would be impossible.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

For five of its six episodes “Apple Cider Vinegar” hammers across – subconsciously, granted — the notion of shared culpability between the medical profession and snake oil wellness peddlers.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2025

“You abused your position and you’re a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle a snake oil that’s been proven to be junk time and time again.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2024

But it’s not like personalized medicine is astrology or snake oil.

From Scientific American • Sep. 28, 2023

Two weeks after her burial, Rose’s husband arrived loaded with ingots of gold for the children, two-dollar pieces for the women and snake oil for the men.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison