cuss 1 of 2

noun

ˈkəs How to pronounce cuss (audio)
Definition of cussnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression a man who has never uttered a single cuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cuss

2 of 2

verb

as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language the little girl clapped her hands over her ears when her brother started cussing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cuss
Noun
My grandmother extended a ladder up into this tough old cuss of a tree and climbed up, at some risk, to pick the bulging fruit. — Jim Meddleton, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2024 This California school board president has 2 DUIs and cusses. — Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2023
Verb
The staff member leading the group says the man cussed at them, shouted derogatory names and continued to reference guns. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 31 July 2026 In the 2015 track, Sonya’s boyfriend finds them by the pool and starts cussing them out, pushing Coley to the ground, who, in turn, punches him. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuss
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
  4. profanity
  5. expletive
Noun
  • Lakshmana faces a difficult decision—whether to break Rama’s command or to allow the sage to unleash his curse.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Its quoting is generally accompanied by a Nicholson impression of dubious quality, which is both a curse and an opportunity for director Michael Arden’s expansive new production and its current star, Bradley Whitford.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • The office of attorney general is designed to be an independent advocate for Florida residents, sworn to uphold the state laws and constitution.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • All year, these Democrats have sworn that they are focused on helping to win races in a midterm election that their party describes as existential.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • The language of the legislation that passed the House calls for an immediate adoption of year-round daylight saving time by rewriting a federal law that sets time across the country.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chanting in multiple languages filled the room and reverberated all around, the voices of the cantors at the kliros blending with the voices of the collective.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Throughout his trial and during his April 2018 sentencing in Sacramento Superior Court, Bracamontes repeatedly hurled insults, profanity and racist epithets at those in the courtroom, including Oliver’s mother and his law enforcement partner.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • When James Kelman won the Booker Prize in 1994, the decision was met with disgust by the literary establishment, appalled by the profanity and the informality of the Glasgow drunk whose inner life the novel details.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • The two of them had been locked together, all elbows and teeth, frothing expletives into each other’s faces.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • When the woman yelled at the driver to stop following her, the man shouted an expletive and threw a glass bottle into her car.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of expletive

Browse Nearby Words

cusps
cuss
cussed
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Cite this Entry

“Cuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuss. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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