Thesaurus results for PROSTITUTION

prostitution

noun

ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən

Definition of prostitution

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 Epstein and Ferguson — along with her husband, the former Prince Andrew — maintained a long friendship prior to the 2008 child prostitution charges. — Amy McCarthy, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 In April of that year, Michael Spilotro and a third brother, Victor, were charged with extorting money from two businesses associated with prostitution and using violence to enforce their demands, UPI reported at the time. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Two days later, a vice squad shut the practice down, citing a city ordinance aimed at preventing prostitution. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 19 June 2026 Combs was originally sentenced to 50 months after being convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution in July 2025. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 June 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

Definition of harlotry

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prostituting

prostitution

prostitutions

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“Prostitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostitution. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of prostitution

noun

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