as in curses
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
a rap song that is filled with profanities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profanities
According to a 2020 study in the International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, the number of profanities in songs on the Billboard Top 100 charts rose from less than 200 per year in 2009 to more than 700 per year in 2018.
—
Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The Ada County Highway District said in a news release that in addition to profanities and inappropriate gestures, road-work crews have been subject to more dangerous driving behavior, including aggressive actions that have led to more police response — and even to criminal charges.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
He was seen screaming and shouting profanities as his cameraman attempted to calm him down.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
The Ada County Highway District said in a news release that in addition to profanities and inappropriate gestures, road-work crews have been subject to more dangerous driving behavior, including aggressive actions that have led to more police response — and even to criminal charges.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2025
He was seen screaming and shouting profanities as his cameraman attempted to calm him down.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanities
Noun
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The last of the old curses and the purest championship drought in the sport.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Set for Vietnamese release in the fourth quarter of 2025, The Whispering Spirit is based on ancient myths about special days known as ‘Tam Nương’ that have curses placed on them.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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On Saturday, McIlroy repeatedly had to step away from his golf ball as spectators shouted obscenities and personal insults at the Irishman.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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In addition to taking the guinea pigs, the perpetrators wrote obscenities and a racial slur on a whiteboard.—
Alexandra Hardle,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His partner, Shane Lowry, was also spewing expletives back at fans commenting on his weight, while standing up for McIlroy, one of his best friends, as well.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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The difference between an explicit and clean version of a song is that the former contains expletives or vulgarities, while the latter does not.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Kids can swing Dora and Boots, cook in the treehouse kitchen, or decorate the casita with stickers, all while hearing familiar voices in two languages.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profanities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profanities. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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