Definition of expletivenext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression unleashed a slew of expletives upon losing the tennis match

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expletive The team has the power to do that, likely fueling his frustration and use of expletives. Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 Ohtani was frustrated with his command against Colorado despite winning his last start, dropping a few expletives that were picked up by the on-field mic. CBS News, 3 June 2026 Trump used expletives to convey his disapproval of Israel’s plans, which threatened to upend negotiations with Iran. Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 2 June 2026 And while no expletives were actually spoken during Thursday's episode, the fourth hour of Today has been host to several slip-ups from stars and co-hosts alike. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expletive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expletive
Noun
  • Morgan and her Judgment Day cronies tried to bribe Danhausen to put curses on their opponents.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • The dust-ups might have driven the Honeywells away from their island paradise, more casualties of the lottery curse.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The event finds more than 20,000 people participating in an annual bar crawl throughout the city while dressed in their best holiday attire, tackiest Santa Claus costumes, and ugliest Christmas swears.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Kennedy could be heard hurling swears at the Swedish team.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Eight groups challenged the department’s definition in court, representing nurse practitioners, therapists, speech language pathologists and more.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Keep language simple, confirm times, and leave extra room between commitments.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Skubal was last seen yelling profanities at magic wander Mike Vasil but would nevertheless fit in well in the Sox clubhouse and give Sox fans reason to believe this team can do something in October.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Now, if that fan crosses the line with death threats and extreme profanity, by all means, kick them out of the ballpark.
    Geoff Clark OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The epithet is not a concession (the database of Trumpian apologies has yet to receive any inputs).
    Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • Tape recordings played during the case also showed Fuhrman had used a racial epithet despite his testimony claiming to never have done so.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • He’d just been followed down a country highway by an angry mob, which screamed cusses and gave him the finger.
    Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expletive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expletive. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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