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.
Listen to this article Michael Katz wasn’t one to sugarcoat things. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025 Remember: This isn’t about sugarcoating or self-criticism. Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Miami will likely be an underdog for every game the rest of this season, and Courtney — who moved up to the big chair when veteran coach Jim Larrañaga announced his retirement on Dec. 26 — is not sugarcoating anything. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 As Ian Sanders, co-founder of Riley's Way and the managing director and COO of Insight Partners, noted on a podcast, being a kind leader during a termination doesn’t mean sugarcoating the truth or avoiding difficult conversations. Nirit Cohen, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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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