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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s an extended period of mediocrity, and there’s no way to sugarcoat it. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024 Don’t sugarcoat or portray doom and gloom—be authentic. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 But Beckham wasn’t looking for someone that would sugarcoat his life’s journey up to that point. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 18 Sep. 2024 There is no use in sugarcoating it: The Blue Jays haven’t been fun to watch this season and, with nothing to play for, that makes tuning into the remaining 40 or so games left on the schedule feel like a bit of a chore. Kaitlyn McGrath, The Athletic, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sugarcoat 

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 17 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!