smoke screen

noun

Synonyms of smoke screennext
1
: a screen of smoke to hinder enemy observation of a military force, area, or activity
2
: something designed to obscure, confuse, or mislead

Examples of smoke screen in a Sentence

His campaign promises were just a smoke screen. The truth was hidden behind a smoke screen of lies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet others have theorized that the MSG buzz could be an elaborate smoke screen to throw off attention to the couple's real wedding plans. CBS News, 27 June 2026 Yet others have theorized that the MSG buzz could be an elaborate smoke screen to throw off attention to the couple’s real wedding plans. Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 27 June 2026 This is the season of smoke screens, strategic leaks and quarterback debates inflated to cable-news proportions. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 And, while the smoke screen of the war is going on, China is ramping up their activities. Morgan Chittum,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smoke screen

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smoke screen was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smoke screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoke%20screen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

smoke screen

noun
: a screen of or as if of smoke to make observation or detection difficult

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