obscenity

noun

ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈse-nə-tē 

əb-

also -ˈsē-

plural obscenities

1

: the quality or state of being obscene

2

: something (such as an utterance or act) that is obscene

Synonyms of obscenity

• vulgarity
• grossness
• suggestiveness
• crudeness
• foulness
• indecency
• lewdness
• coarseness

Examples of obscenity in a Sentence

The author uses obscenity to make a point about the culture.

the song couldn't be performed on the air due to the obscenity of the lyrics

Recent Examples on the Web

Cocoa Beach police responded to Hill-Brodigan’s home that night after receiving multiple calls about the party, some of which said minors were seen walking toward the home through other peoples’ yards and yelled obscenities at them. —Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

The complaint alleges Wagner posted a video last month that directly threatened ICE officers with an obscenity-laden rant. —Steve Karnowski, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

In one entry, the ghost of Lenny Bruce arrives, spelling out obscenities. —Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

One man in dark clothes, with what appeared to be a replica automatic rifle slung over his shoulder, approached a vehicle with an open window and shouted obscenities at the uniformed ICE agent inside it. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French obscenité "indecent words or images," borrowed from Latin obscēnitāt-, obscēnitās (obscaenitāt-, obscaenitās) "indecency, indecent language or behavior," from obscēnus, obscaenus "ill-omened, unpropitious, evoking disgust, indecent, lewd" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at obscene

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing obscenity

• anti-obscenity

Rhymes for obscenity

• amenity
• serenity
• lenity

Kids Definition

obscenity

noun

ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈsen-ət-ē 

əb-

plural obscenities

1

: the quality or state of being obscene

2

: something that is obscene

Legal Definition

obscenity

noun

ob·​scen·​i·​ty äb-ˈse-nə-tē 

plural obscenities

1

: the quality or state of being obscene

2

: something (as an utterance or act) that is obscene

also : obscene material