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Showing results for red herring. Search instead for herrscherring.
Definitions

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.

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

This subsidy thing is, again, a red herring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

"The initial narrative has proven a bit of a red herring," said Mill Pond Research's Caen.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

What if I’m just wasting my time in here, and Ren is a giant red herring?

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu