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
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
This is no euphemism, because in its most extreme forms, gender ideology is outright child abuse.
—Azhar Fateh, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025
When Russia targets other European neighbors, though, the West resorts to its own euphemisms to avoid directly acknowledging what Putin is doing.
—Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for euphemism 
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
This is no euphemism, because in its most extreme forms, gender ideology is outright child abuse.
—Azhar Fateh, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025
When Russia targets other European neighbors, though, the West resorts to its own euphemisms to avoid directly acknowledging what Putin is doing.
—Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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For Giedi Prime, septic tanks became the visual metaphor associated with the Hardonnen and their morals of a sewer.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2025
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Fueled by headlines, and theoretical metaphors attributed to the film ahead of release, there was an overwhelming desire to see Sam Wilson versus President Ross/Red Hulk serve as a direct allegory for liberal America’s fight against President Trump.—
Richard Newby,
The Hollywood Reporter,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
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More common in British English, the phrase is often used in writing to close friends, colleagues or longtime acquaintances.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, who are both second-generation immigrants, used that same phrase in their Tuesday resignation letters to Adams.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Madrid’s struggles with their press were damning evidence that playing with all four of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Bellingham in the team gives them little flexibility in terms of their shape when out of possession.—
Thom Harris,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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To be prudent, the organization is making small changes like limiting travel, and only stocking up on supplies for short term needs.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Knowing the correct four-word idioms is a sign of education.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2025
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Glover’s score — for rock band, piano and acoustic strings — evokes pop idioms while politely sidestepping direct quotation.—
Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim,
New York Times,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near euphemism
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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