as in warm
formal + usually disapproving
having or showing too much interest in sex
He took a prurient interest in their personal life. a book that appealed to the prurient curiosity of its readers
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Recent Examples of prurient
And yet this prurient curiosity also threatened the delicate equilibrium between devout Mormonism and hot-mom content that the group’s women were attempting to maintain.
—
Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2024
Traditionally, these sorts of pictures have allowed producers to peddle items of prurient interest under cover of edification, while maintaining an attitude of moral superiority that would have made little sense to the people the show is about.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2024
In the decades that followed, the media took a similarly prurient tack in its coverage of women’s competitive swimming.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 21 June 2024
But beyond it, Morgan sketches a real Manhattan ruled by prurient and destructive masculine appetites, from subway tunnels occupied by ad hoc homeless communities to office towers where the city’s most powerful residents impose their wills on millions of fellow New Yorkers.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 31 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for prurient
Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2024
Traditionally, these sorts of pictures have allowed producers to peddle items of prurient interest under cover of edification, while maintaining an attitude of moral superiority that would have made little sense to the people the show is about.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2024
In the decades that followed, the media took a similarly prurient tack in its coverage of women’s competitive swimming.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 21 June 2024
But beyond it, Morgan sketches a real Manhattan ruled by prurient and destructive masculine appetites, from subway tunnels occupied by ad hoc homeless communities to office towers where the city’s most powerful residents impose their wills on millions of fellow New Yorkers.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 31 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for prurient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prurient
Adjective
-
With this warmer water, however, keep an eye on clarity.—
Anthony A. Ciuffa,
Outdoor Life,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Decked out in the hotel's signature warm woods and lush fabrics, the king-sized suite features an expansive living room; a deep, limestone soaking tub; and complimentary Balmain bath amenities.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But much of what’s popping up on Substack is appealingly specific, the kind of stuff that’s unpublishable elsewhere.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
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Most of my writing energy went into composing my vast unpublishable novels, one and then another.—
Andrew Cockburn,
Harper's Magazine,
22 Aug. 2024
Adjective
-
Inside this keepsake case is an Earthy and complex blend of warm cedarwood, deep myrrh resin, and spicy clove.—
Dan Michel,
Robb Report,
7 Aug. 2025
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This casserole has all the flavors of your favorite Buffalo wings—spicy chicken, lots of cheese, carrots, and celery.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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To authenticate Trump's note and the obscene drawing that accompanied it, Journal reporters claim to have seen the album and talked to people knowledgeable about it.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
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Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Lopez has a conviction for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 in Norwalk, California. 5.—
Brooke Taylor,
FOXNews.com,
25 July 2025
-
Dance with a big, lascivious drag queen and post it.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
The juvenile in Canada was charged with indecent communications, uttering threats, public mischief and mischief over $5,000.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2025
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Cowan was arrested in August 2011 and charged with Daniel’s murder, indecent treatment and interfering with a corpse, the report states.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
There can be findings that are suggestive of amyloidosis.2 Nuclear Imaging Nuclear scintigraphy is a type of nuclear imaging that is the mainstay diagnostic tool for ATTR-CM.—
Patty Weasler,
Verywell Health,
5 Aug. 2025
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Plenty of flesh and suggestive looks are seen as guests eye both the wildlife and their guides.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One of the canines was wrapped in a spring protruding from a broken, threadbare couch, and yelping for help when cops arrived at the filthy apartment in the Belmont section of the Bronx on Aug. 4, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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An image of the inside of the bunker, released by the sheriff’s office, showed a filthy mattress in a corner, a folding chair and a fan.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prurient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prurient. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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