euphemizes
Says it gently
Euphemizes means to substitute a mild or indirect expression for one considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.
Someone who says "passed away" instead of "died" euphemizes death.
The report euphemizes torture as "enhanced interrogation techniques.
The practice often obscures unpleasant realities through softer language.
Remove objectionable content
- expurgateRemove offensive material
- redactConceal text for secrecy
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
- clean upRestore order to
censor · edit out · abridge · suppress · bleach · scrub · purge · excise
Indirect, wordy expression
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- insinuationIndirect, usually negative suggestion
- allusivenessQuality of indirect reference
obliqueness · beating around the bush · hedging · sidestepping · vagueness · equivocation · coded language · weasel words
Cessation of life
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
- bodily functionsOrganism's automatic life operations
- sexReproductive category or act
- profanityVulgar or obscene speech
illness · poverty · aging · mental health · violence · war · layoffs · toilet
Diminish perceived importance
- sugarcoatMake something seem pleasanter
- gloss overMinimize or conceal flaws
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- sanitizeCleanse of pathogens
minimize · understate · tone down · play down · water down · soften · cushion · temper
In a careful, subtle manner
- diplomaticallyWith political finesse
- gentlyIn a mild manner
- consideratelyWith care for others
- sensitivelyWith emotional awareness
discreetly · carefully · politely · gracefully · respectfully · kindly · thoughtfully · judiciously
bowdlerize
Remove objectionable content
clean up · censor · edit out · abridge · suppress · bleach · scrub · purge · excise · delete
circumlocution
Indirect, wordy expression
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- implicationIndirect suggestion or consequence
- insinuationIndirect, usually negative suggestion
allusiveness · obliqueness · beating around the bush · hedging · sidestepping · vagueness · equivocation · coded language · weasel words · ambiguity
death
Cessation of life
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
- bodily functionsOrganism's automatic life operations
- sexReproductive category or act
profanity · illness · poverty · aging · mental health · violence · war · layoffs · toilet · passed away
downplay
Diminish perceived importance
- sugarcoatMake something seem pleasanter
- gloss overMinimize or conceal flaws
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
sanitize · minimize · understate · tone down · play down · water down · soften · cushion · temper · mitigate
delicately
In a careful, subtle manner
- diplomaticallyWith political finesse
- gentlyIn a mild manner
- consideratelyWith care for others
sensitively · discreetly · carefully · politely · gracefully · respectfully · kindly · thoughtfully · judiciously · subtly