as in explaining
to talk about or describe (something) in a way that makes it seem more pleasant or acceptable than it is
textbooks that sugarcoat history She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.
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Recent Examples of sugarcoating
One in four jobs at risk The bank isn’t sugarcoating AI’s reach.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026
KitKat is not sugarcoating its quest to find thousands of missing chocolates after thieves targeted the candy bar maker.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
There is no sugarcoating the depth of disagreement between public health and MAHA over some life-and-death interventions such as vaccines.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
There’s no sugarcoating it—more intricate lace nail art can be tricky to nail (pun intended) for beginners.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
There’s no use sugarcoating it—MGP has hit a bit of a rough patch over the past year.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Firstly, Fabian has a knack for sugarcoating unwelcome news.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Nov. 2025
This is your cue to stop sugarcoating.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
There was no sugarcoating their first loss in four games to start the season.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 May 2026
KitKat is not sugarcoating its quest to find thousands of missing chocolates after thieves targeted the candy bar maker.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
There is no sugarcoating the depth of disagreement between public health and MAHA over some life-and-death interventions such as vaccines.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
There’s no sugarcoating it—more intricate lace nail art can be tricky to nail (pun intended) for beginners.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
There’s no use sugarcoating it—MGP has hit a bit of a rough patch over the past year.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Firstly, Fabian has a knack for sugarcoating unwelcome news.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Nov. 2025
This is your cue to stop sugarcoating.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
There was no sugarcoating their first loss in four games to start the season.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sugarcoating
Verb
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There will also be a letter to take to their healthcare provider explaining the situation.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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Mathematicians take notice The proof underwent external review by mathematicians who also produced a companion paper explaining the argument and its broader importance.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Easily the riskiest entry of the year so far, this expensive — $200 million but who’s counting — Amazon MGM Studios gamble, powered by Ryan Gosling’s star turn as a lonely astronaut, has made $573 million globally, justifying its steep costs.—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
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Quiet-luxury proponents would often speak of frequency of use and cost per wear in justifying a four-figure black wool sweater.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After excusing herself briefly from the conversation, Patricia returns to find the other guests whispering to Shelby about Patricia’s history of dishonesty about almost being a Boogeyman victim.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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The Appeals Court affirmed his convictions Tuesday and denied his motion for a new trial, overruling claims that there were issues with the judge not excusing a juror for cause and the defense counsel was ineffective.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 May 2026
Verb
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However, the other signs of whitewashing — multiple, vague but positive reviews — were not present.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
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Protect them with shade or by whitewashing the bark.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sugarcoating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sugarcoating. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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