taboo 1 of 2

adjective

tə-ˈbü How to pronounce taboo (audio)
variants also tabu
Definition of taboonext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

taboo

2 of 2

noun

variants also tabu
1
as in prohibition

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in anathema

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 taboo
Adjective
Eleni Sadik would likely be considered a taboo role by Turkish censors. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 July 2026 The subject remains so taboo that Denny has expressed concerns that the film could be censored in some areas. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026
Noun
Menopause is in the conversation now, and the taboo is fading (slowly). — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 15 July 2026 Waters also explains why another Waters – taboo-breaking filmmaker John Waters (no relation to Sasha) – plays such an important role in the documentary. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for taboo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taboo
  1. forbidden
  2. prohibition
  3. anathema
  4. no-no
  5. abomination
  6. embargo
  7. perversion
  8. restriction
Adjective
  • To control the dangerous unfettered use of magic, an oversight council established ground rules on what is considered forbidden magic and the knowledge of its existence.
    — Kalai Chik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Last November, both TMZ and CBS News reported alleged infractions, including being caught with homemade alcohol and trying to make a forbidden three-way phone call.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, VIBE.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of forbidden
Noun
  • The first order of Anheuser-Busch post-prohibition showed up at the Milwaukee Deli with the Clydesdales.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But those who favor regulation say prohibition won’t eliminate demand for popular products.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of prohibition
Noun
  • His alliance with the far-right of American politics is anathema to the over 70% of Jewish Americans who vote Democratic.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Similarly, big money hasn’t been anathema to either the governing body or the tournament, with FIFA’s president, Joao Havelange, partnering in 1974 with Horst Dassler, the chief executive of Adidas, to transform the organisation commercially.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of anathema
Noun
  • As has no doubt become evident even at this early stage of our article, identikit stadiums of the flat-pack variety located in retail parks are something of a no-no for this writer.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Mills was grabbed and scolded by defensive coordinator Aden Durde for his obvious no-no.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of no-no
Noun
  • And that was before the abomination — three-parts Netflix advertising event and one-part baseball game — even happened.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
  • Qatar 2022 was an abomination in so many ways, a World Cup staged in a nation roughly the size of Connecticut, with an appalling human rights record, but the football was frequently thrilling.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Definition of abomination
Noun
  • The militant faction declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabian shipping in late July, including a blockade on ships of all origins attempting to enter the country’s ports.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Houthis declared a maritime embargo of Saudi Arabia last week, jeopardizing the kingdom's energy exports through the Red Sea.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of embargo
Noun
  • The leprous, lascivious body was a perversion that Western proselytizing could fix.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • More broadly, this same chain of logic turns the Voting Rights Act into a zombie law, a perversion of its intended purpose that now mostly protects white Americans from any attempts to break their disproportionate control of voting machinery.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Definition of perversion
Noun
  • And why should airport baggage restrictions get in the way of a good travel look?
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • New York state requires riders of all forms of e-bikes to be at least 16, and New York City imposes additional restrictions, including a 15 mph (24 kph) speed limit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of restriction

Browse Nearby Words

tabloids
taboo
taboos
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Cite this Entry

“Taboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taboo. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on taboo

Nglish: Translation of taboo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about taboo

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