as in justifies
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sugarcoats
Verb
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Even the National Rifle Association has rebuked a federal prosecutor who suggested that approaching law enforcement with a gun justifies being shot.—
Binaifer Nowrojee,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026 -
In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Guthrie explains experiences like this taught her faith is forged, not in moments of ease or happiness, but in the lowest points of adversity.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.—
Kris Millgate,
Outdoor Life,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There may have been grains of truth in his complaints—Denmark’s neglect of the island, America’s long-standing interest in acquiring it, the implications of new sea lanes as its ice melts, the rising importance of security in the Arctic—but nothing excuses Trump’s behavior or language.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
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Nick excuses the killing of Renee Good for blocking traffic, but the videos clearly show that traffic was going around her.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sugarcoats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sugarcoats. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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