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

Examples of sugarcoat in a Sentence

She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
DeRozan didn’t sugarcoat his words when asked which factors will be weighing on his mind. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Loading your audio article Rick Pitino didn’t sugarcoat it. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025 Ron Howard didn't sugarcoat things when daughter Bryce Dallas Howard asked for the truth about Santa Claus. Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Embrace Unapologetic Messaging Gone are the days of sugarcoating messages to please everyone. Steven Le Vine, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sugarcoat

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcoat. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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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