as in to soften
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Recent Examples of euphemize
To translate Holocaust literature at a moment when genocide is not only a historical category but an active legal accusation exposes translators, editors, and institutions alike to pressures to contain, displace, or euphemize violence.
—
Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Better offers an insightful, vital portrait of suicide that makes no attempt to euphemize or diminish its subject.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Those words euphemize a cascade of traumas that have befallen higher education since Inauguration Day.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
Later, their sad parts were endlessly euphemized until they could be mistaken for happy endings.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2023
Why euphemize?
—oregonlive, 10 Dec. 2021
And if a real crisis happens, as with Central Americans flooding through the southern border, euphemize it as someone else’s mess.
—Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2021
First on the docket is hair loss (euphemized on its site as a bonsai tree shedding its leaves), with a $44-a-month box that includes DHT shampoo, a Minoxidil dropper, and Finasteride pills.
—Grant Rindner, Esquire, 6 Dec. 2017
Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Better offers an insightful, vital portrait of suicide that makes no attempt to euphemize or diminish its subject.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Those words euphemize a cascade of traumas that have befallen higher education since Inauguration Day.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
Later, their sad parts were endlessly euphemized until they could be mistaken for happy endings.
—Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2023
Why euphemize?
—oregonlive, 10 Dec. 2021
And if a real crisis happens, as with Central Americans flooding through the southern border, euphemize it as someone else’s mess.
—Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2021
First on the docket is hair loss (euphemized on its site as a bonsai tree shedding its leaves), with a $44-a-month box that includes DHT shampoo, a Minoxidil dropper, and Finasteride pills.
—Grant Rindner, Esquire, 6 Dec. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for euphemize
Verb
-
The decision reflected a common pattern in China's technology sector, where startups establish offshore corporate structures to access global capital and reassure foreign investors, and sometimes soften regulatory scrutiny while maintaining engineering talent and intellectual ties to the mainland.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
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This cult Japanese skincare-meets-makeup hybrid is an ultra-fine powder to even out skin tone, soften the look of pores, and reduce shine, leaving a translucent finish with subtle coverage.—
Anita Bhagwandas,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Four bee colonies now help produce the White House’s signature honey, which officials say is used by residence chefs to sweeten teas, make salad dressings and create desserts.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Flavor the tangy, no-bake filling with crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut flakes, and a splash of rum.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The internet certainly doesn’t poeticize it for me.—
Leah Greenblatt,
EW.com,
29 Aug. 2019
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Santo Loquasto's set doesn't poeticize the ambience.—
Charles McNulty,
latimes.com,
10 May 2018
Cite this Entry
“Euphemize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/euphemize. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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