euphemism

Meaning

A mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh or direct; polite expression for something unpleasant.

A mild or indirect word or expression used to replace one considered too harsh or blunt.

Example Sentences

The phrase "passed away" is a euphemism for "died".

He used the euphemism 'passed away' instead of saying 'died'.

Synonyms

politeness, indirect expression, softened term, substitute, understatement, circumlocution, softening, polite term

Entry 1

politeness, indirect expression, softened term

Entry 2

substitute, understatement, circumlocution, softening, polite term

Antonyms

bluntness, harshness, directness, dysphemism

Entry 1

bluntness, harshness, directness

Entry 2

dysphemism, bluntness, directness

Collocations

common euphemism, political euphemism, euphemism for death, use a euphemism