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
Sometimes, this stems from their opinion that the supposedly tactful replacements for the R-word are equally if not more offensive — a classic example of the euphemism treadmill in practice.
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Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
And now Netanyahu announces[8] a military takeover of Gaza City… which most informed commentators understand as a euphemism for the colonization of Gaza.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025
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
To say that wasn't a euphemism is crazy.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
And now Netanyahu announces[8] a military takeover of Gaza City… which most informed commentators understand as a euphemism for the colonization of Gaza.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2025
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
To say that wasn't a euphemism is crazy.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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This concept is brought to life by the characters’ perilous physical and psychological journey, constantly suspended between destruction and renewal, reality and metaphor.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
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With relentless howling wind making up much of the soundtrack, The Turin Horse was a chilling, enigmatic stunner that played like a metaphor for the apocalypse.—
Tim Grierson,
Rolling Stone,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The iconic phrase is one of the several trademarks the actor has filed to establish a clear boundary against AI misuse.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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In the cold air round the back of the Corner Pin before the Spurs-Villa cup tie, Adam Nathan and Adam Manson reach for similar phrases when discussing Tottenham’s despondency.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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De Caché is a Spanish language term meaning high end or classy, general manager Oscar Escobar said.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Trump hasn’t used the act – which has only been invoked a handful of times in recent decades to suppress rioting – in either of his terms, but Walz expressed concern Wednesday that Minneapolis could be the tipping point if people protesting the shooting become violent.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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