profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfa-nə-tē 

prə-

plural profanities

1

a

: the quality or state of being profane

b

: the use of profane language

2

a

: profane language

b

: an utterance of profane language

Synonyms of profanity

• curse
• language
• swear
• expletive
• obscenity
• cuss
• vulgarism

Examples of profanity in a Sentence

The comic uses too much profanity.

My mom will not tolerate profanity.

I have never heard my father utter a single profanity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Suns guard Jalen Green was recently fined $25,000 for using profanity during a teammate's postgame interview. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Onlookers immediately rose up in anger and outrage, screaming at the agents and shouting profanities. —Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026

Recipients questioning the caller were threatened with yelling and profanity, per the release. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Protesters and police clash Police at one point threw devices releasing smoke to break up the crowd, which carried signs and shouted profanities at them. —Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for profanity

• humanity
• inanity
• insanity
• urbanity
• christianity
• inhumanity
• sanity
• vanity

Kids Definition

profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfan-ət-ē 

prə-

plural profanities

1

: the quality or state of being profane

2

: profane language