euphemism

American  

[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] / ˈyu fəˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

2. the expression so substituted.

   “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

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euphemism British  

/ ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are sleep with for have sexual intercourse with; departed for dead; relieve oneself for urinate

2. the use of such inoffensive words or phrases

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euphemism Cultural  

1. An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. The Nazis used euphemism in referring to their plan to murder the world's Jews (see also Jews) as “the Final Solution.”

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Other Word Forms

• euphemious adjective
• euphemiously adverb
• euphemist noun
• euphemistic adjective
• euphemistical adjective
• euphemistically adverb
• uneuphemistic adjective
• uneuphemistical adjective
• uneuphemistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of euphemism

First recorded in 1650–60; from Greek euphēmismós “use of words of good omen,” from eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) “speaking, fame” + -ismos -ism

Example Sentences

The Colombian film “A Poet” is, yes, about a poet, though that title takes on a revolving set of connotations—an aspiration, an occupation, a mocking epithet, a euphemism for “unemployed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

However in China the accusation of wrongdoing is usually a euphemism for corruption.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

State media did not offer specifics, though it did say the ruling party had revealed numerous recent "deviations" in discipline -- a euphemism for corruption.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

“So it feels like it’s a euphemism for enforcement actions.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

“Is Mercury Home the new euphemism for ‘trailer’?”

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed