Definition

To make something seem better or more pleasant than it really is, often by hiding the unpleasant parts.

Example

She tried to sugarcoat the bad news to make it easier for him to accept.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I don't understand why people always sugarcoat bad news.

Yeah, it can be frustrating when they don't just tell it like it is.

Exactly! Sometimes I just want the truth without any fluff.

Me too! Honesty is way better than a soft approach.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sugarcoat → It is formed from "sugar" (from Old French *sucre*, meaning a sweet substance) and "coat" (from Old French *cote*, meaning to cover). The word "sugarcoat" means to cover something with a sweet layer, often used metaphorically to describe making something unpleasant seem more pleasant.

Memory Tip

Think of covering something with a sweet layer ('sugar') to make it more appealing ('coat'). This helps you remember that 'sugarcoat' means to make something seem nicer than it is.

Visually Confused Words