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
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Recent Examples of euphemism
That’s the official euphemism for a buyout that the Trump administration has offered federal government employees, among them the more than 20,000 who work for the intelligence agency.
—
Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025
The title is a Scottish euphemism for Hell, but Mogwai have always favored purgatory.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
But an American Iron Dome has been understood by some as a euphemism for a more comprehensive, layered defense against countries like Russia, China or North Korea.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Angelou’s memoir was itself a part of the broader movement of women speaking publicly about parts of their lives that had so long been shrouded in euphemism, secrecy, and shame.
—TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025
The title is a Scottish euphemism for Hell, but Mogwai have always favored purgatory.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
But an American Iron Dome has been understood by some as a euphemism for a more comprehensive, layered defense against countries like Russia, China or North Korea.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Angelou’s memoir was itself a part of the broader movement of women speaking publicly about parts of their lives that had so long been shrouded in euphemism, secrecy, and shame.
—TIME, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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These tigers serve as a metaphor for market participants who are engaged in manipulative trading activities in the after-market.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Exploring the business implications of the drug metaphor could be a fruitful area of world-building for a sequel; perhaps Jade, Riley, and their friends could seek out the source of the hand in an attempt to free Mia from its clutches?—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Articulating Your Value With Clarity Develop concise, memorable phrases and create short, impactful statements that highlight your core strengths and values.—
Donna Grego-Heintz,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Wallen had not publicly commented on the incident or explained the meaning behind the phrase at press time.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Trump renegotiated the free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico in his first term.—
Rob Gillies,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
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Handling Exceptions & Unique Scenarios While AI excels at automating routine tasks, sales orders can involve highly specific contractual terms, customer preferences or unusual requests that may require human judgment.—
Uli Erxleben,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Swedes actually have an idiom for this phenomenon.—
Anna Moeslein,
Parents,
28 Feb. 2025
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All kinds of regional idioms, local expressions, and culturally specific terms might fade out.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
29 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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