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
The two met in first grade at their elementary school in North Carolina, where they were both placed in detention for writing profanity on their tests.
—
Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 June 2025
The alleged profanity is believed to have been directed at Jewell Loyd, who joined the Aces during the 2025 offseason after 10 seasons with Seattle, the source said.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 5 June 2025
The fights and the profanity in the stands led numerous NFL fans to sell their season tickets to the annual contest here.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
The guard attempted to detain Neumeyer, who uttered profanities before turning and fleeing, leaving his backpack behind.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 June 2025
The alleged profanity is believed to have been directed at Jewell Loyd, who joined the Aces during the 2025 offseason after 10 seasons with Seattle, the source said.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 5 June 2025
The fights and the profanity in the stands led numerous NFL fans to sell their season tickets to the annual contest here.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
The guard attempted to detain Neumeyer, who uttered profanities before turning and fleeing, leaving his backpack behind.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanity
Noun
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Because perhaps heartbreak is not only a curse, but also a language.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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His thought that autism is a curse that destroys families IS the tragedy.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Higher courts often interpret whether cases fall under the protections of the First Amendment. Freedom of speech, including vulgarity, is common in such cases.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
16 June 2025
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The juxtaposition of popular art’s messy vulgarity with the pristine aspirations of high art is surprisingly uninvolving.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2025
Noun
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To invoke a cliche, the movie teaches you how to watch it, establishing a visual language early and hammering it often.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
20 June 2025
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There were also issues among people who speak a language other than English.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
20 June 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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Kemp then turned left on Monroe toward the protesters while yelling obscenities at the sergeant, according to prosecutors.—
Shanzeh Ahmad,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
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The dissolution of their ten-day relationship led Huda to an epic, many-hours-long crash-out involving a lot of weeping and screaming of obscenities.—
Shannon Keating,
Vulture,
19 June 2025
Noun
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The caller said six or seven juveniles ran him off the road and yelled expletives at him and and flipped him off.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
24 June 2025
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Trump’s frustration was palpable, using an expletive to hammer home his point.—
Sam Mednick,
Chicago Tribune,
24 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 5 Jul. 2025.
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