euphemism

noun

Definition of euphemismnext
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

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 euphemism Willmett and Harris are clearly uninterested in euphemisms, so there’s an exaggerated naivety to their lyrics. — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026 The most expensive queries are throttled or downgraded, which is usually a euphemism for a degraded user experience. — Ben Gutkovich, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 Later, in a moment of high anxiety when Rafael is catching a beating, Sebastián will run to the bathroom to play his trumpet (not just a euphemism). — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 21 May 2026 Gendron thinks of euphemisms like this as red flags that someone is afraid to identify as old. — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
  1. metaphor
  2. phrase
  3. term
Noun
  • Conversations with chimpanzees and gorillas aren’t exactly rich in metaphor and critical analysis.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Only Ann Patchett could write such a pleasant, amiable novel about death, and only a horse could serve as her essential metaphor for peaceful salvation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of metaphor
Noun
  • Instead of a username and password, the Vault uses a unique 12-word recovery phrase.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The scholar Lauren Berlant coined the phrase cruel optimism to describe how hope, including hope placed in a political movement, can stand in the way of a person’s own flourishing.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Simply put, acknowledging the reality—even if the administration won’t state it in these terms—of avoiding a further, major military campaign as the conflict drags on.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of term

Browse Nearby Words

eupeptic
euphemism
euphemisms
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Cite this Entry

“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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