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
Some of the suspects try to minimize their actions with euphemisms or paraphrases; others do so with explanations that the prosecutors find utterly implausible.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The gloves are off, the language is blunter, and the patience for euphemism is gone.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
Everything else is a euphemism for old fashioned domination that the region has spent generations trying to escape.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026
Most memorable in Monterey Pop is Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar ablaze (not a euphemism) and the Who smashing their instruments.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
The gloves are off, the language is blunter, and the patience for euphemism is gone.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026
Everything else is a euphemism for old fashioned domination that the region has spent generations trying to escape.
—Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for euphemism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemism
Noun
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As songwriters, the Ottavianos usually only needed a metaphor, a single beautiful image, or a fun double entendre to serve as narrative backbones.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
26 Apr. 2026
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The table at the center of the room balances like a top on a single point, serving as a metaphor for the challenge of finding balance amid the chaos.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In a larger context, this quintessentially Bengali phrase has come to mean a repast of tea and snacks that encompasses a tradition deeply ingrained in the culture.—
Madhushree Basu Roy,
Saveur,
30 Apr. 2026
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There is a phrase in Japanese that explains it.—
Stephen Wade,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Last June, Hill was ordered to pay Bauer more than $300,000 for violating settlement terms.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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In terms of how the two PSG goalkeepers have fared this season, the data shows Safonov is outperforming Chevalier.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Euphemism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemism. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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