profanity

noun

prō-ˈfa-nə-tē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
Definition of profanitynext
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

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 profanity But he will mostly be remembered for his profanity-laden rant aimed at a sportswriter in the media room after Game 2 of the ALDS — a White Sox win, by the way. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 The camera then cut to McCarthy, who muttered a profanity in response. — ABC News, 6 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 The day started with Davis Webb screaming profanities into his headset, Sean Payton kicking unidentifiable objects along the sideline and fans booing the Broncos in their home opener. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanity
  1. curse
  2. vulgarity
  3. language
  4. grossness
  5. swear
  6. obscenity
  7. expletive
  8. suggestiveness
Noun
  • Lakshmana faces a difficult decision—whether to break Rama’s command or to allow the sage to unleash his curse.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Its quoting is generally accompanied by a Nicholson impression of dubious quality, which is both a curse and an opportunity for director Michael Arden’s expansive new production and its current star, Bradley Whitford.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • Over the last 15 years, Loveless has gained acclaim for their ability to turn vulgarities into poetry and twist impossibly low romantic standards into dire punchlines.
    — Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Lower courts upheld the ban, finding the veiled vulgarity of the phrase allows schools to ban it.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • The language of the legislation that passed the House calls for an immediate adoption of year-round daylight saving time by rewriting a federal law that sets time across the country.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chanting in multiple languages filled the room and reverberated all around, the voices of the cantors at the kliros blending with the voices of the collective.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of language
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 examination showed that Parker and Smith had exchanged dozens of texts, which include obscenities and insults, in the days before Parker's disappearance.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • After most of the sellout crowd filed out Wednesday, one solitary Sox fan stood at his seat under the press box, shouting obscenities about the Guardians and the city of Cleveland.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of obscenity
Noun
  • The two of them had been locked together, all elbows and teeth, frothing expletives into each other’s faces.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • When the woman yelled at the driver to stop following her, the man shouted an expletive and threw a glass bottle into her car.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of expletive
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

Browse Nearby Words

profanities
profanity
profess
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Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profanity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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