obscenity

noun

äb-ˈse-nə-tē How to pronounce obscenity (audio)
Definition of obscenitynext
1
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
2
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 Now, as some have noted, there are Supreme Court precedents that have already held that broadcasters don’t have complete free speech rights around things like, for example, obscenity. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 The obscenity charges stemmed from performances at The Troubadour nightclub on Santa Monica Boulevard and The Unicorn coffeehouse on the Sunset Strip. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Basin then turned toward another beachgoer, shouted an obscenity and resumed arguing with members of the group. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 An original call for service indicated that suspects pulled up to a CBS media vehicle and began shouting racial obscenities at a CBS cameraman who is Black, a law enforcement source said. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscenity
  1. vulgarity
  2. curse
  3. grossness
  4. swear
  5. suggestiveness
  6. profanity
  7. crudeness
  8. language
Noun
  • The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Community outrage about the image, along with online posts calling the mayor a host of vulgarities, spilled into a recent council meeting and is inflaming political divisions within College Park.
    — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • Depp’s character pleads for help to save her husband from his curse.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
  • But maybe, Atlanta native and Midtown resident John Henry Hinkel suggested, Hollywood’s departure is more a blessing than a curse.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
  • All your Dad has to do is fill it and drink—the microfilter membrane will do the rest by removing chlorine odors, dirt, bacteria, and any other grossness floating around in there.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Definition of grossness
Noun
  • The pinky swear proved binding, as Nelson wrote the screenplay within six weeks.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Why fill with swears a show that might otherwise have been appointment viewing for the whole family?
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • The Averys also lack the deep, metaphysical suggestiveness of the Gottliebs.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The bucket quickly went viral for its not-safe-for-work suggestiveness.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of suggestiveness
Noun
  • Guy didn't seem at first to have a lot on his mind Thursday besides the next double entendre or the next profanity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Shrieking profanities, blocking traffic, attacking police and wreaking havoc are not arguments, but for many activists, that’s beside the point.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of crudeness
Noun
  • The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, the first chime of bells from a mountain pavilion at dawn, accompanied by a gentle morning greeting, creates a space where each collection is experienced independently and explores the versatile expressions of Songmont’s design language.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of language

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obscenities
obscenity
obscurant
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Cite this Entry

“Obscenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscenity. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obscenity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obscenity

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