as in metaphors
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 euphemisms
Discussing why people use euphemisms online prepares children to pause and ask questions when unfamiliar terms appear.
—
Sharlette A. Kellum, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
When Oklahoma missed out on the NCAA Tournament, AD Roger Denny announced that coach Porter Moser was staying and offered up one of the great euphemisms of this era.
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Now there were no euphemisms for Germany’s leader.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
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
In a year of cancellations and euphemisms, the city mounted a counterprogram that was quietly insurrectionary, stubbornly joyous.
—The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
And even ages 8 to 10 should be OK, depending on your thoughts about PG romantic intimacy and use of clever euphemisms.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
Sharlette A. Kellum, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
When Oklahoma missed out on the NCAA Tournament, AD Roger Denny announced that coach Porter Moser was staying and offered up one of the great euphemisms of this era.
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Now there were no euphemisms for Germany’s leader.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
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
In a year of cancellations and euphemisms, the city mounted a counterprogram that was quietly insurrectionary, stubbornly joyous.
—The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
And even ages 8 to 10 should be OK, depending on your thoughts about PG romantic intimacy and use of clever euphemisms.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemisms
Noun
-
The production wears its metaphors lightly with a wink and a purr.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
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What about forests, given my fondness for tree metaphors?—
Elena Megalos,
Longreads,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This may include words or phrases found in Google searches or in emails.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
-
No one even attempts the accent, and a few kitschy phrases are not going to cut it, not even from supporting stars like Henry Winkler and Lena Headey.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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If the content creator isn’t careful, brands may sneak clauses into contracts allowing the company to retain an influencer’s likeness beyond the terms of the initial agreement.—
Taylor Lorenz,
Vanity Fair,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Euphemisms.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemisms. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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