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
Some of the suspects try to minimize their actions with euphemisms or paraphrases; others do so with explanations that the prosecutors find utterly implausible.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The gloves are off, the language is blunter, and the patience for euphemism is gone.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
Everything else is a euphemism for old fashioned domination that the region has spent generations trying to escape.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The gloves are off, the language is blunter, and the patience for euphemism is gone.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
Everything else is a euphemism for old fashioned domination that the region has spent generations trying to escape.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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When Rue meets one of Laurie’s customers, Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a strip-club mogul fond of cowboy hats and the American frontier as an organizing metaphor, the everything-is-for-sale theme is amplified further.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Pete made this amazing metaphor.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Leo said in English, using a phrase often understood as referring to American exceptionalism.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
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One of them, named James Rogers, used the same phrases and nicknames Ryan had used in the past and knew information about her and her whereabouts at the time.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If emotions rise, pause and restate what’s been agreed on in simple terms.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
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In defending reasonableness, Lawlor is defending the exhausted majority—those who still want to live together on terms of mutual recognition.—
Nikhil Krishnan,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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