veneer

An attractive outward appearance that hides someone’s real feelings or character.

• Her smile was a veneer.
• Beneath his veneer of politeness, he was furious.
• The crisis stripped away their veneer of respectability.

How to use it: a veneer of something (His cheerful manner was a veneer of confidence.)

Similar words: facade, front

Common phrases: veneer of politeness, thin veneer, veneer of respectability

A thin layer of attractive wood covering cheaper wood or another material.

• The table has an oak veneer.
• The veneer began to peel near the corner.
• They chose matching veneers for the cabinet doors.

Common phrases: wood veneer, oak veneer, veneer furniture

A thin covering attached to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.

• The dentist fitted a veneer.
• Her new veneers made her teeth look even.
• A porcelain veneer covers the damaged front tooth.

Common phrases: dental veneer, porcelain veneer, veneer treatment

To cover furniture or another object with a thin layer of attractive wood.

• We will veneer the table.
• The carpenter veneered the doors with oak.
• These panels were veneered before assembly.

How to use it: veneer something with something (They veneered the cabinet with walnut.)

Common phrases: veneer a table, veneer with oak, veneer the surface

To hide something bad behind an appearance of goodness or respectability.

• She tried to veneer her cruelty.
• He veneered his selfishness with charming manners.
• Their harsh policies were veneered with talk of kindness.

How to use it: veneer something with something (He veneered his greed with claims of public service.)

Similar words: disguise, mask

Opposites: expose

Common phrases: veneer with kindness, veneer with respectability