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sugarcoat

verb

Definition of sugarcoatnext
as in to excuse
to talk about or describe (something) in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or acceptable than it is textbooks that sugarcoat history She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.

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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 sugarcoat There is no sugarcoating the reality. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 31 May 2026 Then, sugarcoating was the reflexive response. — Susan Page, USA Today, 29 May 2026 There’s no way to sugarcoat it. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 Morgan didn’t sugarcoat the harder parts either. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sugarcoat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sugarcoat
  1. explain
  2. justify
  3. excuse
  4. whitewash
  5. rationalize
  6. explain away
Verb
  • The woman who had compiled the Handy Hints book helpfully explained these technical details to Flynn, whispering in his ear like someone translating a foreign language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of explaining why something happened after the fact, the organization helps the customer stay ahead of it.
    — Suresh Rajapakse, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • The Italian Interior Ministry used that same threat to justify extending the border checks Tuesday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • First-act setups extend through the majority of the 108-minute runtime, constituting a plotless meander without the aesthetic allure to justify such a languid journey.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of justify
Verb
  • Senior quarterback Dante Moore was nowhere to be found during media availability following the Ducks' loss on the road, which was noticed by every reporter in the room, but according to head coach Dan Lanning, his absence was excused.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Choose a seat far from your brother-in-law or excuse yourself to help with the dishes.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of excuse
Verb
  • To freshmen from then to now, whitewashing the rock(s) before the season has tended to create a sense of belonging and ownership.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Polished stone-tile floors, whitewashed walls, and spacious bathrooms are common elements of all the rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of whitewash
Verb
  • These converts, according to their chain of thought, rationalized their cheating in much the same way human cheaters do.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The company also expects to rationalize and consolidate systems and processes, while eliminating overlapping corporate and centralized resources.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of rationalize
Verb
  • In an effort to explain away his decision, Kiffin reintroduced old ghosts.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The conversation kicked off with a discussion of faith and the rush to scientifically explain away events that may be divinely touched.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of explain away

Browse Nearby Words

suffusing
sugarcoat
sugarcoated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sugarcoat. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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