OBSCENITY Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

obscenity

noun

äb-ˈse-nə-tē

Definition of obscenity next

as in vulgarity

the quality or state of being obscene the song couldn't be performed on the air due to the obscenity of the lyrics

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in curse

a disrespectful or indecent word or expression uttered a loud obscenity when he dropped the hammer on his toe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 obscenity The French had obscenity laws, too, but they were designed to be hard to enforce, and, in any case, the French didn’t care much about English-language pornography in the nineteen-twenties, since it was purchased mostly by tourists. —

Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 While the council remained inside to finish the meeting, including approving a local emergency declaration, police were outside where a small mob gathered, yelling obscenities at the officers. —

Victoria Le, Oc Register, 27 May 2026 Officers, often summoned by principals or teacers, escalated some situations by shouting obscenities or insults. —

Clare Amari, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Cheers immediately broke out across the arena in response to the obscenity. —

Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscenity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscenity

Noun

Benoit delights in language as much as her heroine, weaving Regency-era slang throughout and appending a chapter-by-chapter glossary of vulgarities.

— Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026
On Monday night, that park seemed so far away as Knicks fans rained vulgarities down on Wembanyama and his teammates inside Madison Square Garden.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026