four-letter word

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
Noun
  • Some monks who were once forced off the island put a curse on it and everyone who ever took anything away from it.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
  • When her curse begins to affect her physically, Amada travels to the Abyss to seek a cure from the Grand Warlock.
    Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At the Abundance movement’s largest-ever gathering, with its manifesto still on the best-seller lists, its biggest champions wrestled openly with its status as a dirty word in US politics.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Learn To Talk About Money Without Apologizing One of the biggest mistakes new professionals make is treating salary like a dirty word.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • The expansion will also include more language support, with plans to increase access to consulting and capital assistance in Spanish and Marshallese, according to an organization news release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • There is no time limit on how long such consultations could take, and experts say the language is flexible enough to allow each member to decide how far to go in responding to armed aggression against another.
    Matt Spetalnick, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor and Hinkle swear by bonnets, while Royal and others recommend tying longer styles into a loose bun or braid before wrapping.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Patullo tore off his headset with a rare and celebratory swear.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025

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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 16 Sep. 2025.

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