C2nounlanguage
US/ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/
UK/ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/
a gentle or polite word used instead of one that might seem rude, unpleasant or too direct
In context
'Passed away' is a gentle euphemism that many people use instead of 'died'.
The company called the job cuts 'restructuring', a typical corporate euphemism.
In many cultures, people use euphemisms to avoid talking directly about money.
Words that go with euphemism
noun + preposition
- euphemism for'Between jobs' is often a euphemism for being unemployed.
verb + noun
- use a euphemismDoctors sometimes use a euphemism to soften bad news.
adjective + noun
- polite euphemism'Economical with the truth' is a polite euphemism for lying.
- corporate euphemism'Rightsizing' is a corporate euphemism for firing people.
- common euphemism'Restroom' is a common euphemism in American English.
- convenient euphemism'Collateral damage' is a convenient euphemism for civilian deaths.