sugarcoating

American  

[shoog-er-koh-ting] / ˈʃʊg ərˌkoʊ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of covering something with sugar.

2. a coating coating or layer of sugar or a sugary substance.

3. a thing used to make something else considered unpleasant or disagreeable seem attractive or palatable.

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Etymology

Origin of sugarcoating

First recorded in 1905–10; sugar + coat + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—Walmart WMT 0.36%increase; green up pointing triangle executives aren’t sugarcoating the message: Artificial intelligence will wipe out some jobs and reshape its workforce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 27, 2025

“There’s no sugarcoating the reality that we face next year,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who heads the council’s five-member budget committee.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024

There’s no sugarcoating that UCLA’s defense has vastly outperformed an offense that has repeatedly switched quarterbacks and is averaging 28.6 points per game, tied for No. 62 in the nation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2023

As Elliott returns for Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, site of his last victory, there’s no sugarcoating his season.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2023

Anyway, even if she’s sugarcoating my good points, I appreciate it.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins