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
• naughty
• lascivious
• blue
• profane
• raunchy
• undesirable
• bawdy
• abusive
• ribald
• trashy
• smutty
• coarse
• unwanted
• impure
• unprintable
• wanton
• locker-room
• X-rated
• stag
• infamous
• broad
• porny
• salacious
• gutter
• wicked
• objectionable
• perverted
• immodest
• scatological
• indecorous
• depraved
• low
• racy
• indelicate
• soft
• repulsive
• perverse
• repugnant
• unbecoming
• loathsome
• revolting
• abhorrent
• risqué
• distasteful
• off
• unwelcome
• earthy
• kinky
• salty
• gamy
• coarse-grained
• reprehensible
• off-color
• barnyard
• exceptionable
• repellent
• scurrilous
• atrocious
• louche
• censurable
• blameworthy
• debasing
• blamable
• hard-core
• soft-core

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocuous
• acceptable
• desirable
• attractive
• inoffensive
• sweet
• pleasant
• delightful
• alluring
• delicious
• appealing
• agreeable
• nice
• pleasurable
• enjoyable
• heavenly
• satisfying
• congenial
• welcome
• luscious
• palatable
• pleasing
• gratifying
• dreamy
• delectable
• felicitous
• inviting
• darling
• dulcet
• savory
• likable
• blessed
• 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 directors emphasize how Byrd became a torchbearer for legally obscene programming and an igniting force behind other adult content across digital media today. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Counterculture Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate. — Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

After shares rallied to a peak of $225 on June 16, a stunning 50 percent rise over their opening price, Musk officially became the world’s very-first trillionaire — an obscene hyper-capitalist milestone highlighting the tech oligarchy’s iron grip on society. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 June 2026