as in metaphor
a mild or pleasant word group of words that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive
using "eliminate" as a euphemism for "kill" She spoke in euphemisms when recounting the expletive-laden tirade.
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Recent Examples of euphemism
No, but my aesthetic judgment had given over to its vibes, that contemporary euphemism for ultra-processed atmosphere.
—
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
While much of Carpenter’s music has gestured toward sexuality through euphemism, there’s a more obvious sentiment on display here.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2025
But talking in euphemisms produced different results.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 June 2025
That means saying, without euphemism or apology, that antisemitism cloaked as anti-Zionism is still antisemitism.
—Brendan Reilly, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025
While much of Carpenter’s music has gestured toward sexuality through euphemism, there’s a more obvious sentiment on display here.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2025
But talking in euphemisms produced different results.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 June 2025
That means saying, without euphemism or apology, that antisemitism cloaked as anti-Zionism is still antisemitism.
—Brendan Reilly, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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Alaska, purchased from Russia 158 years ago for $7.2 million, was supposed to be a clever metaphor for American strength.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
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Pro-Kremlin voices praised the gesture as political trolling, with some likening the meal to a metaphor for Russia's stance on Ukraine.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This phrase is usually translation for garden bounty that’s made its way into the kitchen.—
Brennan Long,
Southern Living,
16 Aug. 2025
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This phrase is now often humorously paired with funny or relatable experiences.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In his first term, Trump tried to add a question about citizenship to the census with the goal of ultimately excluding undocumented immigrants from the count deciding how many representatives each state gets, but the Supreme Court blocked the move.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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People are starting to realize just how far these humanoid robots have come in terms of coordination and agility.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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