sugarcoat

verb

sug·​ar·​coat ˈshu̇-gər-ˌkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
sugarcoated; sugarcoating; sugarcoats

transitive verb

1
: to coat with sugar
2
: to make superficially attractive or palatable

Examples of sugarcoat in a Sentence

She has very strong opinions, and she doesn't try to sugarcoat them.
Recent Examples on the Web The arguments made by antiabortion states to sugarcoat their manifestly misogynistic policies have always borne the acrid odor of cynicism and hypocrisy. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 And Riley, for all of the relatively sanguine parts of her public persona, has admirably seen no need to sugarcoat any of it, either. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2024 For example, the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, which began in 1899, was sugarcoated in the rhetoric of benevolence. Giang Nguyen-Dien, The Conversation, 27 Sep. 2024 Also, both have a special type of leadership style where nothing is sugarcoated. Shane Young, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sugarcoat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sugarcoat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sugarcoated

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sugarcoat was in 1858

Dictionary Entries Near sugarcoat

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcoat. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sugarcoat

verb
sug·​ar·​coat ˌshu̇g-ər-ˈkōt How to pronounce sugarcoat (audio)
: to coat with or as if with sugar

More from Merriam-Webster on sugarcoat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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