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 Never one to censor herself, Madonna's latest fashion statement can be summarized with a four-letter word. — Glenn Garner, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2023 What’s a four-letter word for funny, sweet, silly, huggable, wonderful, and mine? — Angela Belt, House Beautiful, 2 Mar. 2023 In an audio excerpt, an air traffic controller can be heard uttering a four-letter word. — Livia Albeck-Ripka, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2023 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 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
  • That was a full-length movie filmed in 2004 when the Red Sox were breaking their storied curse, and included Johnny Damon and other players in cameos.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • NPAs are hungry to elect centrists who believe that compromise is not a dirty word.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Capex has become a dirty word among tech investors because the more hyperscalers spend, the more their stocks fall due to uncertainty about the return on those investments.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Definition of dirty word
Noun
  • From a consideration of apoptosis—the orderly elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells—Solé moves on to failing machines, eroded memories, vanished languages, brittle digital archives, and more.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • High-needs students — defined as those receiving free or reduced price meals, English language learners and students with disabilities — also performed about 10 points below the overall student body in each category.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • The pinky swear proved binding, as Nelson wrote the screenplay within six weeks.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of swear

Browse Nearby Words

four-in-hands
four-letter word
four-letter words
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Cite this Entry

“Four-letter word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/four-letter%20word. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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