Synonyms of taboo

taboo 1 of 2

adjective

tə-ˈbü 

variants also tabu

as in forbidden

that may not be permitted

asking a guest how much money he or she makes is strictly taboo because it's a rude question to ask a stranger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forbidden
• prohibited
• banned
• outlawed
• inappropriate
• unacceptable
• illegal
• barred
• improper
• impermissible
• proscribed
• verboten
• unlawful
• unauthorized
• illicit
• unbearable
• unmentionable
• interdicted
• objectionable
• unsuitable
• unseemly
• unendurable
• intolerable
• ineffable
• excluded
• refused
• rejected
• illegitimate
• unlicensed
• repressed
• prevented
• stopped
• suppressed
• disallowed
• discouraged
• revoked
• vetoed
• precluded
• blocked
• unsanctioned
• shut out
• disapproved
• hindered
• ruled out
• obstructed
• impeded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permissible
• acceptable
• allowable
• legal
• appropriate
• permissive
• permitted
• legitimate
• lawful
• tolerable
• bearable
• accepted
• endurable
• OK
• endorsed
• authorized
• approved
• licensed
• certified
• allowed
• sanctioned
• accredited
• warranted
• mandatory
• sufferable
• granted
• suitable
• promoted
• commanded
• proper
• supported
• required
• encouraged
• condoned
• unobjectionable
• tolerated
• countenanced
• accorded
• seemly
• ordered
• vouchsafed
• brooked

taboo

2 of 2

noun

variants also tabu

1

as in prohibition

Related Words

• prohibition
• no-no
• embargo
• restriction
• ban
• veto
• suppression
• limitation
• repression
• inhibition
• deterrent
• proscription
• prevention
• constraint
• discouragement
• restraint
• refusal
• objection
• interdiction
• interdict
• protest
• denial
• negation
• injunction
• commandment
• mandate
• rejection
• warning
• caveat
• decree
• disallowance
• edict
• dictate

Dissimilar Words

• tolerance
• consent
• prescription
• sanction
• permission
• permitting
• licensing
• allowance
• allowing
• license
• letting
• approval
• granting
• clearance
• leave
• support
• authorization
• toleration
• promotion
• blessing
• endorsement
• agreement
• compliance
• encouragement
• sufferance
• sanctioning
• enabling
• submission
• OK
• obedience
• approbation
• imprimatur
• acquiescence
• assent
• facilitation
• accession

2

as in anathema

Related Words

• anathema
• abomination
• perversion
• degeneracy
• indecency
• corruption
• scurrility
• depravity
• debauchery
• canker
• squalor
• decay
• rot
• cancer
• scurrilousness
• pervertedness
• malefaction
• evil
• satanism
• diabolism
• vileness
• sinfulness
• bad
• devilry
• immorality
• badness
• wickedness
• heinousness
• fiendishness
• evilness
• darkness
• enormity
• wrong
• atrocity
• villainy
• devilishness
• ill
• iniquity
• sin
• iniquitousness
• depravedness
• balefulness
• evildoing
• atrociousness

Dissimilar Words

• right
• morality
• virtue
• good
• decency
• honesty
• integrity
• goodness
• rectitude
• righteousness
• probity
• uprightness
• virtuousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of taboo

Adjective

But much like the way studios and directors of the 1960s and ’70s embraced the once-taboo profanity and nudity, this year AI has found a new wave of advocates eager to go public. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

But for a taboo exhibition business whose competition now fits inside the patron’s pocket, what, exactly, is being kept alive? — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Expect the conversation to move from taboo to standard household calculus within the next two years. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

While nothing was hit — Saudi authorities said a drone was intercepted — the taboo has been broken. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026