candy-coated

adjective

can·​dy-coat·​ed ˈkan-dē-ˌkō-təd 

1

a

: covered with sugar and often other ingredients (such as flavoring or coloring)

candy-coated peanuts

a candy-coated chocolate

b

: suggestive of candy

especially : bright like the colors of candy

The glorious candy-coated visuals, swooping track design and soaring music haven't aged a day …

—Tom Hoggins

If you don't care about the fingerprint sensor, slow-motion video, or improved camera, then maybe the candy-coated colors of the iPhone 5c will be the best fit for you.

—Will Shanklin

2

a

: made to seem more pleasant, attractive, or acceptable

You seldom see anything but the most candy-coated view of poverty or rural life.

—Robert Bianco

Part of the appeal is its humor is clean enough to take a child to, yet not too candy-coated for adults, reviewers say.

—Annie Pierce Rusunen

… distrustful of any kind of candy-coated health message …

—David Colman

b

: having an easy appeal : causing no discomfort, concern, etc.

candy-coated pop songs

… their songs mostly homed in on undiluted pleasure and candy-coated escapism.

—Sasha Geffen

c

: sentimental, saccharine

candy-coated nostalgia

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1a