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 The Execution Crisis Defined Rasmus Holst, CEO of Zensai, describes it without euphemism. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
  1. metaphor
  2. phrase
  3. term
Noun
  • Drawn to the tactile and familiar qualities of paper, Teo uses playful forms and visual metaphors to transform everyday subjects and construct whimsical, imagined worlds.
    — New York Times Games, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • All of those felt like metaphors for the teenage experience that could somehow be explored in magic.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of metaphor
Noun
  • As Kamphoff repeated these phrases during her race, her pace picked up.
    — Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Georgia fans responded with articles from 2003 showing that former head coach Mark Richt used the phrase early in his tenure, creating a good old fashioned social media standoff.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Superhuman, the productivity company formerly known as Grammarly, agreed in June to acquire GPTZero for undisclosed terms.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • According to the order reviewed by The Times, Berry is prohibited from contacting Martinez, 60, and their son Maceo beyond the terms of her August 2023 split-custody agreement.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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