verb

sugarcoat

SHUU-guh-koht

Sugarcoat (verb) means to make something unpleasant seem more acceptable or attractive than it really is. Example: “The manager tried to sugarcoat the bad news about layoffs.”

verb

To make something unpleasant seem more acceptable or attractive than it really is.

"The manager tried to sugarcoat the bad news about layoffs."

"Don't sugarcoat it — just tell me what went wrong."

How to Use Sugarcoat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo soften bad news or make something unpleasant sound better than it is.

Common pairings

sugarcoat the truth don't sugarcoat it

Word Forms

sugarcoated past tense, sugarcoats singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “sugarcoat” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The manager tried to _____ the bad news about layoffs.

Etymology

From sugar plus coat, based on the old practice of coating bitter medicine tablets in sugar to hide the taste.

Synonyms

View more →

candy glaze

Related Words

glass candy frost coating sweets glaze confectionery frosting

Rhymes for sugarcoat

oat boat coat goat moat float bloat gloat groat throat afloat tugboat

See all rhymes for sugarcoat →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “sugarcoat” mean?

The word “sugarcoat” means to make something unpleasant seem more acceptable or attractive than it really is. In plain terms, to soften bad news or make something unpleasant sound better than it is.

How do you pronounce “sugarcoat”?

“Sugarcoat” is pronounced SHUU-guh-koht (/ˈʃʊɡɚˌkoʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “sugarcoat” in a sentence?

Here is “sugarcoat” used in a sentence: “The manager tried to sugarcoat the bad news about layoffs.”

What part of speech is “sugarcoat”?

“Sugarcoat” is a verb.

People Also Searched

glass candy frost coating sweets glaze confectionery frosting