The term "candy coat" refers to a superficial and often overly sweet version of a concept or situation. The antonyms for "candy coat" can be more grounded, pragmatic, or realistic. Some of the possible antonyms include: transparent, honest, straightforward, unvarnished, practical, objective, factual, realistic, unembellished, sincere, direct, candid, authentic, and unadorned. Using more precise and accurate language to describe a situation or idea can help avoid misunderstandings or false expectations. In contrast, the candy coating may provide a temporary illusion of comfort or pleasure but can lead to disappointment or harm in the long run.