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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of euphemism
And now Netanyahu announces a military takeover of Gaza City… which most informed commentators understand as a euphemism for the colonization of Gaza.
—
Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Aug. 2025
Consumer welfare is a bit of a red herring, but it’s often used as a euphemism for less enforcement rather than more enforcement.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
To say that wasn't a euphemism is crazy.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
How responsible a mother can be for her son’s actions remains an open question, but the contortions of her denial, with its euphemisms and its illogic, are closely and relentlessly examined, as is her inability to speak or act to stop him.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Walden Green, Pitchfork, 10 Aug. 2025
Consumer welfare is a bit of a red herring, but it’s often used as a euphemism for less enforcement rather than more enforcement.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
To say that wasn't a euphemism is crazy.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
How responsible a mother can be for her son’s actions remains an open question, but the contortions of her denial, with its euphemisms and its illogic, are closely and relentlessly examined, as is her inability to speak or act to stop him.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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And there’s a sports metaphor in there, too, which Nike might appreciate.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
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The provisional nature of this society mirrors an improvisatory quality in the books, with their changing casts of characters and fluid metaphors.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The phrase includes tariff powers for two pivotal reasons.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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The company positions its cards as simple, durable, and seed-phrase-free by default.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In terms of sheer number of ships, Beijing’s navy is now bigger than Washington’s and Chinese shipyards can churn out new builds at a far higher rate.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Schuschnigg resigned, accepted Hitler’s terms to avoid the shedding of Bruderblut, and, on March 12, German troops marched into Austria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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