Synonyms of obscene

obscene

adjective

äb-ˈsēn 

1

as in pornographic

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society

obscene gestures are totally inappropriate in the workplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pornographic
• vulgar
• foul
• nasty
• filthy
• gross
• dirty
• indecent
• unacceptable
• crude
• suggestive
• offensive
• disgusting
• lewd
• unpleasant
• obnoxious
• blue
• naughty
• lascivious
• profane
• undesirable
• raunchy
• bawdy
• abusive
• ribald
• trashy
• smutty
• coarse
• unwanted
• impure
• unprintable
• wanton
• locker-room
• X-rated
• stag
• infamous
• broad
• porny
• gutter
• salacious
• wicked
• objectionable
• perverted
• immodest
• scatological
• indecorous
• low
• depraved
• soft
• racy
• indelicate
• repulsive
• perverse
• repugnant
• unbecoming
• loathsome
• revolting
• abhorrent
• risqué
• off
• distasteful
• unwelcome
• earthy
• kinky
• salty
• gamy
• coarse-grained
• reprehensible
• off-color
• barnyard
• off-colored
• exceptionable
• repellent
• scurrilous
• atrocious
• louche
• censurable
• blameworthy
• gamey
• debasing
• blamable
• repellant
• hard-core
• soft-core

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wholesome
• decent
• clean
• puritanical
• prudish
• proper
• correct
• Victorian
• acceptable
• innocuous
• priggish
• polite
• appropriate
• respectable
• nice
• staid
• prim
• desirable
• decorous
• seemly
• genteel
• pleasant
• inoffensive
• G-rated
• nonobscene
• suitable
• agreeable
• pleasing
• welcome
• pure
• becoming
• meet
• perfect
• straitlaced
• straightlaced
• fit
• immaculate
• spotless
• endorsed
• approved
• virginal
• sanctioned
• indorsed

2

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

that ugly new store is really an obscene bit of architecture

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgusting
• ugly
• awful
• sickening
• horrible
• hideous
• shocking
• offensive
• obnoxious
• dreadful
• nasty
• unpleasant
• gross
• evil
• appalling
• repulsive
• scandalous
• abominable
• repugnant
• loathsome
• odious
• gruesome
• revolting
• distasteful
• abhorrent
• noxious
• horrid
• horrific
• terrible
• nauseating
• horrendous
• foul
• undesirable
• vile
• rancid
• disturbing
• repellent
• noisome
• fulsome
• nauseous
• objectionable
• monstrous
• unwanted
• hateful
• repellant
• horrifying
• disagreeable
• miserable
• heinous
• grim
• contemptible
• unwholesome
• unspeakable
• detestable
• despicable
• unhealthy
• lurid
• ghastly
• grisly
• atrocious
• nightmarish
• barbarous
• macabre
• exceptionable
• unsavory
• sick
• frightful
• brackish
• unwelcome
• ungodly
• uncivilized
• execrable
• unholy
• hard
• lousy
• sickly
• unchristian
• upsetting
• dislikeable
• dislikable
• distressing
• sickish
• off-putting
• grewsome

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocuous
• acceptable
• desirable
• attractive
• inoffensive
• sweet
• delightful
• alluring
• pleasant
• delicious
• appealing
• agreeable
• nice
• pleasurable
• enjoyable
• heavenly
• satisfying
• congenial
• welcome
• luscious
• palatable
• pleasing
• gratifying
• dreamy
• delectable
• felicitous
• inviting
• darling
• dulcet
• savory
• likable
• likeable
• blessed
• savoury
• blest
• unobjectionable
• unexceptionable
• wholesome
• healthy
• healthful
• salubrious
• salutary
• delightsome
• restorative

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obscene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscene are coarse, gross, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When might coarse be a better fit than obscene?

While the synonyms coarse and obscene are close in meaning, coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When is gross a more appropriate choice than obscene?

The words gross and obscene can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When would ribald be a good substitute for obscene?

The words ribald and obscene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

In what contexts can vulgar take the place of obscene?

The synonyms vulgar and obscene are sometimes interchangeable, but vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obscene

Banners or signs may not be commercial in nature or obscene, or cause any disturbance to other fans. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Sep. 2025

That’s when Talbot drove his vehicle at about 15 miles per hour and struck the man while making an obscene gesture, according to court documents. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2025

Part of that obscene number is the Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint. —Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Brooklyn prosecutors charged him with misdemeanor assault, as well as menacing, reckless endangerment, possession of obscene material, interference with a professional sporting event, weapons possession and other charges, officials said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025