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

He was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of offenses against students by authority figures, distributing obscene material to minors and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under 16 years old. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Few experiences are as universal as paying an obscene amount of money for food and drinks at a sporting event. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Last year, after signing a $132 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a trade, he was docked another $26,000 for fighting and making an obscene gesture. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

There was a dog’s leg that had been sewn on near a man’s crotch in a way that seemed like an obscene visual pun. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026