euphemy

/juːˈfɛmɪzəm/

Definitions

1. noun

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

“The politician used the euphemism ‘downsizing’ instead of ‘layoffs’ to describe the company’s restructuring.”

Synonyms

  • circumlocution
  • evasion
  • periphrasis

Antonyms

  • bluntness
  • directness