SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
euphemism
noun
A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered harsh or embarrassing.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
CHOOSE WITH CARE
A useful distinction
Alternatives apply to the displayed meaning. Related wording may differ in tone or grammar and is not always interchangeable.
A mild or indirect expression substituted for one considered harsh or embarrassing
No close substitute is listed for this sense. The expressions below help explain the idea.
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topAlternatives apply to the displayed meaning. Related wording may differ in tone or grammar and is not always interchangeable.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See euphemism in use
The notice used a euphemism instead of naming the unpleasant task.
The teacher asked whether the euphemism clarified or concealed the problem.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license