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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Recent Examples of euphemism
That means saying, without euphemism or apology, that antisemitism cloaked as anti-Zionism is still antisemitism.
—
Brendan Reilly, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
The ones most frequently name-checked on TikTok—or in group chats or over brunch tables—are produced by a growing list of start-up wellness brands with bright packaging and cutesy euphemisms.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Consultants said to expect to continue hearing a variety of euphemisms about tariffs and their impact on prices.
—Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Americans have been living in unprecedented times – a very nice euphemism for constant crisis – for nearly a decade.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Brendan Reilly, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
The ones most frequently name-checked on TikTok—or in group chats or over brunch tables—are produced by a growing list of start-up wellness brands with bright packaging and cutesy euphemisms.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025
Consultants said to expect to continue hearing a variety of euphemisms about tariffs and their impact on prices.
—Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Americans have been living in unprecedented times – a very nice euphemism for constant crisis – for nearly a decade.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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In thinking about faraway prospects such as Palencia, Hoyer used a different sports metaphor.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Ogwumike promised the on-stage conversations would be wide-ranging and not, to use a sports metaphor, filled with softball questions.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Above this grid are seven phrases, each giving you a clue to seven words.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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This, of course, was swiftly rebuked by comics writer Tom King, who had used the phrase in a Superman comic that same year.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Trump has embarked on one of the most consequential and controversial opening stretches of any presidential term in modern memory – striking Iran's nuclear facilities, overhauling the federal government and pursuing mass deportations.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
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The people around Gladys want to marry for love, in terms of Marian (Louisa Jacobson) and Carrie Astor (Amy Forsyth).—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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