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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 For example, the state can rightly regulate defamatory statements or obscene material. Timothy R. Holbrook, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was docked $14,491 for making an obscene gesture after a big catch. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025 Other users called her obscene names, threatened to show up at her workplace, or sent her a photograph of guns. Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Clothing must not feature offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics, or nudity or clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscene
Adjective
  • Some states have instituted requirements for websites with adult or pornographic content to verify visitors' age before granting access, although tech experts have pointed out VPNs can be used to get around those guardrails.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Like its more famous cousin from Willendorf, the depicted woman looks less like a person than like a pornographic composite of breasts, hips, and labia.
    Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Add in moisture and soap scum, and kitchen sinks can get pretty disgusting.
    Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In Johnston’s reimagining, Jim and Credenza Twit operate the most disgusting, dangerous, and idiotic amusement park in the world, Twitlandia.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • A day before a shooter killed four people and set fire to a church in Michigan, students at a football game in Colorado chanted vulgar anti-Mormon slurs against the same religious organization.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Colorado has condemned a vulgar chant its fans directed at BYU during its football team’s 24-21 loss Saturday at Folsom Field.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Like Mitchell, Estrada has a knack for softening the sharp edges of our emotions and finding beauty in our ugly truths.
    Cat Cardenas, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The results were … predictably ugly for the Warriors.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Other signs to look for are floating debris, rust, mildew, or foul odors.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The second-year coach appeared to be confused after the foul call before exiting the court and heading into the locker room tunnel.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Apparently, Canadians are very pissed off at us and don't feel like visiting and spending their money here, which is awful because there are so many businesses that rely upon Canadians and tourists from other countries.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The cold was awful, but the rain that was predicted never came.
    Mariana Enriquez October 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Removing Stains From Wood Cabinets Food, beverages, and dirty hands can leave nasty stains behind, even after cleaning.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The overriding question should be will the Texas line figure out how to protect QB Arch Manning from OU’s nasty front four?
    Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Just a sickening day for Jameson Williams’ managers.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Those recalls were the major change in Friday’s FDA update on the outbreak, credited with sickening 20 people and killing four, one of which was a fetus, over 15 states.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obscene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscene. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obscene

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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