Meaning & use

euphemistic

adjective·Academic

Using mild or indirect language in place of words considered harsh or unpleasant.

See it in a sentence

The report used euphemistic language to avoid admitting the project had failed.

Calling the layoffs a 'workforce optimization' struck employees as needlessly euphemistic.

A note on using this word

Euphemistic phrasing can soften bad news but is sometimes criticized as evasive or dishonest.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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