as in corruption
immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society
a religious leader who railed against the profligacy of the nation's decadent aristocrats
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profligacy
In part, that’s because our current profligacy amounts to the opposite of a growth policy.
—
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2026
The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities.
—Joe Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
Fiscal profligacy and political meddling in monetary policy are eroding the foundations of dollar dominance.
—Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
And while challenges persist, there are already signs that hidebound profligacy is being replaced by newfound autarky.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profligacy
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2026
The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities.
—Joe Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
Fiscal profligacy and political meddling in monetary policy are eroding the foundations of dollar dominance.
—Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025
And while challenges persist, there are already signs that hidebound profligacy is being replaced by newfound autarky.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profligacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profligacy
Noun
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The Vatican says fighting corruption in the mineral-rich country and insisting on the correct uses of political authority are expected to be themes of Leo’s visit, which starts Wednesday with his arrival in Yaounde, the capital.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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The election reflects Peru’s deep political instability — nine presidents in ten years — amid voter anger over crime and corruption, though the country’s economy has remained relatively resilient.—
Franklin Briceño,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Consider this evilmeister’s brazen acts of treason and revenge, unbounded deceit, swinish immorality and negative role modeling.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
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Rather, a lengthy process can be initiated to remove a member from office for gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness, or other misconduct, the Ohio School Board Association stated.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are worse sins in the world.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Believers confess their sins to a priest, receive spiritual guidance and absolution and typically are required to make an act of contrition like saying specific prayers.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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This lawless crew shares dramaturgical DNA with the vice figures from medieval morality plays, personifications of sinfulness who would confide their schemes to the audience and make theatergoers their co-conspirators in a riveting game that obviously left its mark on a young Shakespeare.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Apophis is the Greek name for Apep, the ancient Egyptian god of evil and destruction.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
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Its characters are thin, its setpieces and sick delights are nakedly borrowed from much better films, and its titular evil has never been less threatening.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Profligacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profligacy. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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