four-letter word

noun

Definition of four-letter wordnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression clapped her hands over the toddler's ears so he wouldn't hear the four-letter word

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 four-letter word Mater Dei Catholic tennis coach Jose Oropeza says there is a four-letter word that is unacceptable on his team. — Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2022 Never one to censor herself, Madonna's latest fashion statement can be summarized with a four-letter word. — Glenn Garner, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2023 For Polis, who disdains hardliners in both parties, ideology is something of a four-letter word. — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2023 Despite being an overall success in stabilizing the financial industry — the federal government actually made almost $8 billion on the program — TARP became a four-letter word in politics. — Paul Kane, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for four-letter word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for four-letter word
  1. curse
  2. dirty word
  3. language
  4. swear
Noun
  • Brazil’s European curse at the World Cup continues thanks to Norway’s biggest star.
    — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • Not obsessed One Wish Willow Nikki, but actual Nikki, now awoken from her curse when Bear dies.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • The Jewish people’s movement for self-determination in their biblical homeland — called Zionism — has become a dirty word on college campuses and in liberal political parties, and increasingly in some conservative ones.
    — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
  • Nuclear was once a dirty word, but its rehabilitation has proceeded much faster than expected.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2026
Definition of dirty word
Noun
  • In a world order in rupture, international law remains the one language power still has to answer to.
    — Alain Berset, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Although it is celebrated primarily in Latin, Lauer said the language is only part of its appeal.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Why fill with swears a show that might otherwise have been appointment viewing for the whole family?
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of swear

Browse Nearby Words

four-in-hands
four-letter word
four-letter words
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Four-letter word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/four-letter%20word. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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