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

The ex-data processor for the Boston Transportation Department was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of: rape of a child, assault to rape a child, indecent assault and battery on a child, disseminating obscene material to a minor, and possession of child pornography. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 24 June 2025

But the legal standard for what qualifies as obscene is extremely high. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 June 2025

Cousins exchanged words with fans, put a hand in one man’s face and made an obscene gesture as fans threw food and drinks at him. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2025

The monthlies, at $1,714, aren’t obscene for the neighborhood, and cover private storage, a bike room, and laundry, on top of a 24-hour doorman, live-in super, and porters. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 10 June 2025