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 Barnacle said Arrabaca, who repaired Patriot missile systems in the Army from 2001 to 2005, derided ICE with profanities during his arrest. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 Wilde read on social media that the tune actually inspired a movie theater meet-cute, as Nash mutters profanity mid-song. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026 The couple’s relationship began with a friendship bracelet and a podcast shout-out in July 2023, and by September Swift was screaming profanities in support of her new favorite football player. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 June 2026 Skubal was last seen yelling profanities at magic wander Mike Vasil but would nevertheless fit in well in the Sox clubhouse and give Sox fans reason to believe this team can do something in October. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 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. crudeness
Noun
  • Clementine, the oldest daughter, takes control to help break out the other children, and Mary, in telling her story publicly, has agency in rectifying the familial curse.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
  • What did Widow’s Bay creator and showrunner Katie Dippold see in Matthew Rhys as Tom Loftis, mayor of the New England island town plagued by a historic curse?
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • Benoit delights in language as much as her heroine, weaving Regency-era slang throughout and appending a chapter-by-chapter glossary of vulgarities.
    — Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Venus, planet of money and values, in your 2nd House of Resources opposes nebulous Neptune in your 8th House of Intimacy, so costs need clear language.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 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
  • 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
Definition of obscenity
Noun
  • Commenters on Jacobs’ post were sympathetic to his close call in nearly dropping an expletive.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As Hwang and her partner placed the ticket on the car’s windshield and were returning to their vehicle, the vehicle’s owner approached, yelling expletives and ripping the citation to pieces.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of expletive
Noun
  • There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of crudeness

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 12 Aug. 2026.

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