OBSCENE Synonyms: 224 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obscene

adjective

äb-ˈsēn

Definition of obscene

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment that ugly new store is really an obscene bit of architecture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 obscene As her creative uncertainty grows, a strange mystery unfolds when a series of provocative and obscene artworks inexplicably disappear. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 The Tarrant County decorum policy prohibits personal attacks, impertinent, profane, obscene, or slanderous remarks as well as threatening, disruptive or unruly behavior. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Starks said the obscene gesture was meant as a joke to teammates. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 State Farm Arena policy prohibits clothing displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterizations, while the NBA Fan Code of Conduct prohibits obscene or indecent messages on clothing. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscene

Adjective

Authorities say the girl was subsequently subjected to threats, emotional blackmail, surveillance and physical violence and forced to produce pornographic material and participate in online webcam sessions.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
The sheriff’s office said Ahlers had hundreds, and possibly thousands, of pornographic photos and videos of children on his hard drive.

— Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of pornographic

Adjective

Decide for yourself whether that’s a bold indicator of English football’s superiority over the rest of the world, or a revolting symbol of the bloated and vulgar behemoth that the game has become.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
However, recent scholarship posits that the structure was used as ordinary (rather than punitive) housing, and that the vulgar decor was in fact a distinguishing characteristic of the epoch.

— Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of vulgar

Adjective

But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.

— Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
Especially if ugly seasons like last year pile up and the problem continues to snowball.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

Both banged off the Tropicana Field catwalk in foul territory, nullifying the catch made on both of them.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
Peter remembers chicken wings, the foul Lower Manhattan air, and buying an industrial respirator at a hardware store.

— Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of foul

Adjective

And then on Sunday, next to Granada’s imposing Alhambra fortress, Kuss — providing there are no nasty surprises — will complete his third Grand Tour in a row.

— Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
In his nasty hands, every canvas was an indictment, a history painting with its gloves off.

— Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of nasty

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

oboists

obscene

obscenely

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“Obscene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscene. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of obscene

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