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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 in the case of Iran, the whole exercise is a bit of a red herring.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

Firm jobs growth could also be a "red herring," warned EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco in a recent note.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

Prof Dreze says the increase to 125 guaranteed workdays per household may sound like a major revamp, but is a "red herring".

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

This subsidy thing is, again, a red herring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

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

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu