WorldJuly 9, 2026
veneer
/vəˈnɪər/
Definition
A thin, superficial, and often deceptive appearance or layer used to mask or justify something more substantial.
Etymology
Derived from the German word 'furnieren' (to furnish or cover), the term originally referred to a thin layer of fine wood applied to a coarser base. By the 18th century, it evolved into a metaphorical term for any outward show that hides an underlying reality.
In the news
The article describes the administration's flimsy legal justification for military strikes as a 'veneer,' highlighting that their arguments lacked actual substance and were merely meant to provide a superficial layer of legitimacy.
One Man’s War
Read the full article ↗Foreign Affairs