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
The ones most frequently name-checked on TikTok—or in group chats or over brunch tables—are produced by a growing list of start-up wellness brands with bright packaging and cutesy euphemisms.
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Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Consultants said to expect to continue hearing a variety of euphemisms about tariffs and their impact on prices.
—Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Americans have been living in unprecedented times – a very nice euphemism for constant crisis – for nearly a decade.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The eternal language of euphemism—swords and lightning—had begun its work, displacing the reality of bullets breaking bodies.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Consultants said to expect to continue hearing a variety of euphemisms about tariffs and their impact on prices.
—Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Americans have been living in unprecedented times – a very nice euphemism for constant crisis – for nearly a decade.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025
The eternal language of euphemism—swords and lightning—had begun its work, displacing the reality of bullets breaking bodies.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
-
Formation flying is really a terrestrial metaphor to cover a painfully complex exercise in celestial mechanics.—
David Szondy
June 28,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
-
But waste should be surgically addressed, extending the metaphor, with a scalpel, not a chainsaw.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Noun
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But as with two years ago, the problem is that old phrase: end product.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
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For President Trump, it's been — to borrow a phrase — one big, beautiful week.—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The state is also defining in law the terms male and female.—
The NPR Network,
NPR,
1 July 2025
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Under the terms of the agreement, Luxury Living Group acquired full ownership of FFD (Fashion Furniture Design SpA), including production and distribution rights for Fendi Casa products.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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