as in swearing
to use offensive or indecent language
the little girl clapped her hands over her ears when her brother started cussing
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cussing
The pastor seems to enjoy cussing, or half-cussing, while on the green.
—
Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Many would consider cussing those law enforcement officers an act of rebellious patriotism.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
Many would consider cussing those law enforcement officers an act of rebellious patriotism.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cussing
Verb
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Still, in general, experts agree that many people find swearing rude and disrespectful, so with kids of any age, parents should do their best to model socially-acceptable language and discuss the potential present and future impact of using dicey words.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
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The Milwaukee-area refugees passed their naturalization exams and were days away from swearing allegiance to the United States at an oath ceremony.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Many people held signs, some cursing Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
31 Jan. 2026
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Some made obscene gestures, and one held up a paper cursing the president.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cussing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cussing. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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