sugarcoat (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈʃʊɡərkoʊt/

Definition

To make something seem more pleasant, acceptable, or less serious than it really is, often by using mild or indirect language.

Examples

• Don't sugarcoat the truth; I need to know exactly what happened.

• She tried to sugarcoat her criticism, but it still sounded harsh.

• He was accused of sugarcoating the risks involved in the investment.

How to Use sugarcoat

sugarcoat something (collocation)

To make a difficult or unpleasant fact seem less serious or more acceptable. — "The report tried to sugarcoat the impact of the new policy."

Synonyms of sugarcoat

Words with a similar meaning to sugarcoat:

• downplay
• gloss over
• soften
• embellish

Antonyms of sugarcoat

Words with the opposite meaning to sugarcoat:

• be direct
• face up to

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary