Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun snake_oil

2 senses of snake oil

Sense 1
snake oil -- ((medicine) any of various liquids sold as medicine (as by a travelling medicine show) but medically worthless)
       => liquid -- (a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure)

Sense 2
humbug, snake oil -- (communication (written or spoken) intended to deceive)
       => misrepresentation, deceit, deception -- (a misleading falsehood)