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

Relevance

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
  • The last of the old curses and the purest championship drought in the sport.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • After its patriarch’s mysterious death, the pharma family falls prey to an ancient curse.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 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
  • Green’s order gave Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins seven days to rewrite the language of the ballot measure and the language that will be at polling places.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The book collects his writing, social media posts, and blogging in one English-language volume.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Don’t pretend the cure for coarse speech is a swear jar.
    Eric Preven, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Four-letter word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/four-letter%20word. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!