as in sentimental
appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome way
those sugarcoated versions of family life that old TV sitcoms portrayed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in explained
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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Recent Examples of sugarcoated
Miranda Rake, Parents, 19 Feb. 2026
For its part, Housewives has sugarcoated neither Gay’s clashes with the Mormon Church and subsequent estrangement from some friends and family members, nor the painful excommunication of her castmate and cousin Whitney Rose.
—Judy Berman, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
That independence is crucial for thorough, unbiased assessments and findings based solely on evidence, rather than sugarcoated conclusions that Congress or the president wants.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Bluey tells compelling stories of emotional intelligence and regulation in a way that doesn’t feel sugarcoated and is hopeful rather than escapist.
—Miranda Rake, Parents, 19 Feb. 2026
For its part, Housewives has sugarcoated neither Gay’s clashes with the Mormon Church and subsequent estrangement from some friends and family members, nor the painful excommunication of her castmate and cousin Whitney Rose.
—Judy Berman, Time, 12 Nov. 2025
That independence is crucial for thorough, unbiased assessments and findings based solely on evidence, rather than sugarcoated conclusions that Congress or the president wants.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sugarcoated
Adjective
-
Well, this overly gauzy, sentimental, dull period romance hasn’t gotten any less dopey now that Nicolas Cage has been, well, Nicolas Cage for the last 20 years.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Today is a very sweet, sentimental and romantic day.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Results explained in clinical language that require several follow-up questions just to understand.—
Allison Palmer
March 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In a brief conversation Monday morning, Verdugo explained why.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When slicked with oil over high heat, the morsels crisp into a textural marvel, jumping a long way from their original sticky form.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Brewing economic conditions suggest, however, that when Warsh takes office, presumably in May, central bank policymakers could be facing both a wobbly jobs picture and sticky inflation made worse by spiraling energy prices.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The state argues Burton’s execution is justified.—
Abigail Brooks,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Most fatal encounters involving police in Oklahoma are ultimately ruled justified under state law, a pattern that mirrors national trends.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Penguins were sloppy in the defensive zone and didn’t put the Flyers away on the power play.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
A couple sloppy Westlake possessions have given the Lady Tigers the momentum.—
American-Statesman staff,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even if Project Hail Mary at times leans into the sentiment to an almost saccharine degree, the movie’s natural sweetness is disarming.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Especially because the historicization does something to Martin’s writing, tossing in a saccharine element that neutralizes some of his humor.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In hushed towns like Locorotondo and Martina Franca, whitewashed lanes curve unexpectedly, church bells peal away the hours, and olive trees cast ever longer shadows onto dusty squares.—
Rob Crossan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
-
By then, investigators had checked Guthrie’s flat, whitewashed roof and probed her septic tank with a long pole.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Whole fruit is fundamentally different from refined sugar or sugary beverages.—
Lynn Andriani,
Martha Stewart,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Habits that spike your blood sugar include drinking sugary beverages and not getting enough sleep.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sugarcoated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sugarcoated. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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