euphemism

Definition of euphemismnext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of euphemism The Execution Crisis Defined Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai, describes it without euphemism. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 June 2026 Willmett and Harris are clearly uninterested in euphemisms, so there’s an exaggerated naivety to their lyrics. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026 The most expensive queries are throttled or downgraded, which is usually a euphemism for a degraded user experience. — Ben Gutkovich, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 Later, in a moment of high anxiety when Rafael is catching a beating, Sebastián will run to the bathroom to play his trumpet (not just a euphemism). — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
  • The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The lengthy opening sequence ends with the camera literally descending into one of the guy’s butts and then up into his bowels, which could be read as a metaphor for this entire project.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In it, David recognized phrases reminiscent of his brother’s writing style and contacted investigators about his suspicion that Ted may be the culprit.
    — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The latter—which perhaps pulls inspiration from the early addiction recovery phrase used to describe the honeymoon period of sobriety—details taking ownership of letting a romantic partner down.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Under the terms of the agreement, the reports will be kept confidential by the man and his attorneys.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The effort to create a national voter list is among numerous steps Trump has taken during his second term to try to overhaul the way elections are run.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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