Synonyms of lewdnext
1
a
: obscene, vulgar
lewd remarks
b
: sexually unchaste or licentious (see licentious sense 1)
lewd behavior
2
obsolete : evil, wicked
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Examples of lewd in a Sentence

He made lewd remarks to the woman at the bar. bystanders were shocked by the lewd behavior of the couple in the park
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Meridian resident Ryan Jenks, 46, pleaded guilty in September to one felony count of lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026 The case becomes political when a lewd painting of Maria de’ Medici, the daughter of the Duke of Florence, is found in Pontormo’s room. Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 Sometimes the subjects appear undressed or in lewd positions, with their faces and bodies hidden by black boxes, though there are occasional clips where a face is visible. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 Garcia-Aquino, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, was charged last year with killing 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez during the commission of a lewd act at his Lancaster home in March. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lewd

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lewed vulgar, from Old English lǣwede laical, ignorant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lewd was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lewd. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

lewd

adjective
1
: showing interest in sex in a rude manner
lewd behavior
2
: indecent
lewd remarks
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective
: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious
convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a childNational Law Journal
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

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