1. to sweeten or make more palatable
Usage: formal; rare
2. to make something harsh or unpleasant seem more acceptable by removing or toning down objectionable elements
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The chef edulcorates the bitter medicine with honey.
• She edulcorates her criticism with praise to make it more acceptable.
• The historian accused the textbook of edulcorating the harsh realities of war.
• Adding sugar edulcorates the tart flavor of the cranberries.
• The politician edulcorates his controversial policies with appealing rhetoric.
• The documentary edulcorates nothing about the environmental crisis.