1
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
a rap song that is filled with profanities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in vulgarity
the quality or state of being obscene
once notorious for its profanity, that 1950s best seller will strike today's readers as lamentably tame
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profanity
In a rambling screed of nearly eight minutes, the caller unloaded a fusillade of profanities.
—
John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The city’s agreement with Clear Channel and Outfront Foster has similar terms, including several prohibitions such as no motion, no illumination between midnight and 6 a.m., and no violence, profanity, adult goods or services, or political and religious content.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
But outside of some mature dialogue in some instances, there is no profanity or otherwise inappropriate language.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 17 June 2025
My father, never one to pass on a grand gesture, leaned in, but my mother shot him a look suggesting that the entire canon of American profanity could be translated into a single facial expression.
—Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
The city’s agreement with Clear Channel and Outfront Foster has similar terms, including several prohibitions such as no motion, no illumination between midnight and 6 a.m., and no violence, profanity, adult goods or services, or political and religious content.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
But outside of some mature dialogue in some instances, there is no profanity or otherwise inappropriate language.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 17 June 2025
My father, never one to pass on a grand gesture, leaned in, but my mother shot him a look suggesting that the entire canon of American profanity could be translated into a single facial expression.
—Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanity
Noun
-
Perfection is a blessing and a curse for Virgo parents.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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Also, the fact that Ken gets cursed by a crazy old ghost actually helps Momo in her alien abduction predicament, with Momo’s newfound spiritual abilities helping to curb Ken’s curse.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The fastidious formality of Monsieur Gustave H. exists right alongside his matter-of-fact vulgarity, a combination that Fiennes nails with astounding precision.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Robert Rhoads, Oakland Park Politicians and vulgarities Your front-page article on the use of expletives by U.S.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Barring any specific language in the Wilkins contract, the Raiders will have an uphill battle to fight.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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But their language echoes the same arguments about unfair trade, deficits and national security that Trump invoked during his reciprocal tariff rollout.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Bonus: For every 100ml bottle sold, Omorovicza donates 5% to Water.org, supporting global access to safe water. Jones Road Miracle Balm, $40 Women over 50 swear by this award-winning, Bobbi Brown-founded brand for its nourishing and hydrating qualities.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The word was forbidden in their household and treated like a swear.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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As the protest heated up, some members of the crowd shouted obscenities at agents.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
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In a time when the suffering and seemingly hopeless prospects of America’s poor are known to all who have eyes to see, the only fig leaf available to hide the obscenity of this bill is the old partisan charge of waste, fraud and abuse.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Other posts included in the indictment show Habba was also called expletives.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
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During Tuesday night’s public comment period, the mayor’s mic picked up him uttering an expletive referring to a public commenter, with the moment posted on multiple social media accounts.—
Emilie Takahashi,
Oc Register,
19 June 2025
Noun
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And, when the alarm wails hours before dawn, human cusses of angry protest join the chorus of budget appliances failing before their time.—
Virginia Konchan,
The New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2024
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My grandmother extended a ladder up into this tough old cuss of a tree and climbed up, at some risk, to pick the bulging fruit.—
Jim Meddleton,
The Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2024
Noun
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As the Oxford English Dictionary notes, the expression not hardly is considered a vulgarism.—
NR Editors,
National Review,
16 Apr. 2020
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The British cringed over new American accents, coinages and vulgarisms.—
Time,
Time,
11 June 2019
Cite this Entry
“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profanity. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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