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Synonym Chooser

How is the word ribald different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ribald are coarse, gross, obscene, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

Where would coarse be a reasonable alternative to ribald?

The synonyms coarse and ribald are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of ribald?

The meanings of gross and ribald largely overlap; however, gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

In what contexts can obscene take the place of ribald?

While in some cases nearly identical to ribald, obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When might vulgar be a better fit than ribald?

The words vulgar and ribald are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

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 ribald But Beforeigners eschews the supernatural, and the campier teen soap elements, to deliver a thoughtful, moving, and often quite ribald and funny tale of various worlds colliding. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2020 Later, Society members on the city commission pulled funding from a chamber-of-commerce event, citing concerns about an allegedly ribald country-and-western band. Emma Green, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2019 The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a series of paintings and videos. Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2019 The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a new series of paintings and videos. Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for ribald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribald
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Plenty of flesh and suggestive looks are seen as guests eye both the wildlife and their guides.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As deadly wildfires raged across Southern California in January, a Los Angeles city official lamented to the city council and others how they were forced to listen to hateful, vulgar language from some members of the public.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Her choice to respond by telling me to 'shut the f*** up' and to 'calm my p*****' was vulgar, dismissive and escalated the issue entirely.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
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
  • 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
  • Trump strongly denied drawing or writing the bawdy 50th birthday message for the late pedophile financier, a former friend of the president.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • Trump filed the $10 billion suit earlier this month after the Journal reported that Trump allegedly sent Epstein a bawdy letter in 2003 that was included in a book made for Epstein's 50th birthday, which Trump has denied.
    Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Nationals put up a four-spot against Verlander, the backbreaker being CJ Abrams’ towering two-run shot off the right-field foul pole.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2025
  • 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
  • Whereas the Star Wars sequels woefully misused the actor's talents, this movie puts them center stage, playing one of the teen hoodlums who join forces with their victim to fight off nasty, otherworldly invaders.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Things could be reversed if prompt actions are taken to get vaccination rates back up again before the different nasty microbes can spread too far in the U.S. population.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Inspection reports revealed problems with mold, water leaks, dirty equipment and rooms, meat debris stuck on walls and equipment, various bugs, and, at one point, puddles of blood on the floor.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond discomfort and potential allergic reactions, a dirty mattress can also affect the quality of your sleep itself.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ribald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribald. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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