sugarcoat

verb

sug·​ar·​coat ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
sugarcoated; sugarcoating; sugarcoats

transitive verb

1
: to coat with sugar
2
: to make superficially attractive or palatable

Example Sentences

She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.
Recent Examples on the Web Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Animal and plant life is declining across the globe at rates never seen before in human history. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 30 Mar. 2023 There’s really no way to sugarcoat it. Dallas News, 12 Nov. 2022 No way to sugarcoat it. San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2022 There's no way to sugarcoat it. Adam Baum, The Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2022 There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2021 There's no way to sugarcoat it: Lochia lasts a long time. Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2023 There's no way to sugarcoat it; alcohol is not great for your health. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2023 When the three graduating transfers first made their visits, Hurley didn’t sugarcoat anything. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sugarcoat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sugarcoated

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarcoat was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near sugarcoat

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcoat. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

sugarcoat

verb
sug·​ar·​coat ˌshu̇g-ər-ˈkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
: to coat with or as if with sugar

More from Merriam-Webster on sugarcoat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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