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.
The director never sugarcoats life in the Big Apple for Lu, his family, nor for the rest of the striving migrant underclass. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025 These women share advice ranging from diet to fitness to mental health, and their messaging is not, er, sugarcoated. Gracie Wiener, Air Mail, 3 May 2025 There’s no way to sugarcoat this: The Milwaukee Bucks are done. John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 To sugarcoat his perspective in order to make nice and be invited to galas. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 6 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sugarcoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugarcoat. Accessed 10 Jun. 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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