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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 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.
—
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
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
But as with two years ago, the problem is that old phrase: end product.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
-
For President Trump, it's been — to borrow a phrase — one big, beautiful week.—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
As a movie on its own terms, White Zombie (which would be followed up by something of a sequel, Revolt of the Zombies) can at times feel a bit stagnant, a trait that's not uncommon in these early '30s horror movies where the cinematic language of the genre was still being developed.—
James Grebey,
Time,
20 June 2025
-
In the early stages of Israel’s war on Gaza, China made a similar offer and dispatched a special envoy to the region to promote peace talks — efforts that ultimately yielded little in terms of concrete results.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share