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 while the film’s metaphor seems to indicate that Jesse’s burgeoning sexuality is something to fear, the ridiculousness of the dialogue and Patton’s shrieking performance make this a perverse camp classic.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
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The sequence is pure spectacle, but amidst the heavy-handed metaphor, there's a timely commentary about the risks of relying on this type of technology at all.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Michael's version offers intimacy and protection, whereas Swift's version turns the phrase on its head in a story of betrayal.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Be prepared with some French phrases, which go a long way in communicating with locals, many of whom only speak French.—
Essence,
Essence,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Financial Affairs Committee approved the term sheet, which outlines tax incremental financing details, in March 2025.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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While streaming revolutionized the television industry by changing the way audiences consume content, the fall season still reigns supreme in terms of premieres.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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