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 Willmett and Harris are clearly uninterested in euphemisms, so there’s an exaggerated naivety to their lyrics. Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026 Special military operation is Russia’s official euphemism for the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026 The Execution Crisis Defined Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai, describes it without euphemism. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 June 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 See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
  • That reframing, from raw capability to fit-for-purpose deployment, is where the David and Goliath analogy becomes more than a metaphor.
    Rivindu Perera, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • The rats are a nuisance and a metaphor for Aegon’s massacrous reign.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Connections is a free daily New York Times game that challenges you to arrange a grid of 16 words, phrases or symbols into four groups.
    Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • But no, this is an actual phrase in the world of medicine, apparently used by obstetricians to inflict emotional harm on pregnant folks over the age of 35.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Both parties have accused each other of violating the terms – which envision the eventual withdrawal of Israeli soldiers, the full disarmament of Hamas, the deployment of an international force and a new Palestinian governing body.
    Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Personal terms had not been expected to be an issue for Manchester United, but Tottenham’s salary offer was also viewed as beyond what the Old Trafford hierarchy were willing to commit to.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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