SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
euphemistically
adverb
Using a milder expression in place of one considered unpleasant or blunt.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
In softened language
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 topIndirectly and delicately are broader; euphemistically specifically replaces blunt wording with a milder expression.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See euphemistically in use
The review euphemistically called the unfinished stage 'a work in progress.'
The draft euphemistically called the loss of essential records 'a little housekeeping,' using a mild phrase that obscured how much relevant information had disappeared.
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