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 Addressing concerns directly, without sugarcoating or offering false assurances, is vital. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 There’s no way to sugarcoat this for the Broncos, who find themselves in a situation where either landing a young, controllable Mahomes of their own or Father Time are the only answers. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 In the last couple of years, climate experts, academics and others have sought to shift the conversation away from such demoralizing talk, while not sugarcoating the consequences if important and often difficult moves are not made. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2024 Whether O'Neal speaks on NBA On TNT, his own media outlets or others, The Diesel never sugarcoats anything when speaking his mind. Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, 12 Jan. 2024 There’s no sugarcoating the potential trouble and challenges ahead from global warming. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2024 Don’t sugarcoat it The study is not without its limitations. Ivan Paul, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2023 Coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t sugarcoat what Samuel’s loss meant against Green Bay. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2024 Do not sugarcoat it because them kids know what Google is. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Nov. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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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