Definition of prostitutionnext
sometimes offensive
as in vice
the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money prostitution is illegal in most states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 prostitution The play is peppered with such issues as social justice, politics, prostitution, women’s rights and anti-semitism. Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Both denied knowing anything about Epstein’s crimes prior to his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Robin Abcarian, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026 Epstein had been convicted of procuring an underage girl for prostitution. Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026 The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Senate Bill 97, which would decriminalize prostitution across the state. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prostitution
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostitution
harlotry
Noun
  • In one case, the life of an upper-class woman and contemporary of Julius Caesar, Clodia, saw her reputation destroyed by false claims of harlotry, home-wrecking, and husband-killing.
    Time, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
  • Within the slippery world of harlotry—where class can be transcended and humanity bought—relationships form that defy our historical assumptions about the bounded categories of human experience.
    Sarah Marshall, New Republic, 2 June 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostitution. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

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