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

To that point, MSG highlights that both MSG’s ejection policy and the NBA Fan Code of Conduct prohibit disruptive behavior, foul language and obscene gestures. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025

The obscene cost of healthcare has pushed manufacturers offshore and kept wages stagnant for decades. —Ro Khanna, Twin Cities, 12 June 2025

In Tacoma, 35 miles to the south, Ted Bundy grew up near the American Smelting and Refining Co., which disgorged obscene levels of lead and arsenic into the air while netting millions for the Guggenheim dynasty before its 1986 closure. —Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

The charge was lessened to one count of possession of obscene material, and Reubens pled guilty. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 24 May 2025