TABOO Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

taboo 1 of 2

adjective

tə-ˈbü

variants also tabu

Definition of taboo

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

as in prohibition

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

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 These once taboo words — among others — have become part of our daily vocabulary and conversations, a sign of greater interest in, and knowledge of, women’s health. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

Noun

While nothing was hit — Saudi authorities said a drone was intercepted — the taboo has been broken. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 In general, art made for adults tends to abide by this taboo. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taboo

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taboo

Adjective

Their alternating stories portray a Europe that exploits gifted children, while rigid class and gender expectations leave both protagonists struggling to pursue forbidden ambitions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
As a forbidden attraction grows between the two men, tragedy unleashes supernatural forces upon their deeply religious community.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of forbidden

Noun

Historically, politicians have kept a firewall between church and state to keep from crossing the First Amendment’s prohibition on a national religion or government restrictions that interfere with an individual’s expression of faith.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
These young people have defied prohibitions on protest, breached draconian security clampdowns, and endured detentions to relentlessly question the government’s authority.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibition

Noun

The idea of motorsport circuits as pampering, family-friendly environments has long been anathema to their nature.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
To be sitting on the sidelines as the editor and watch a translation sink in the mud of the centre of the pitch was anathema to him.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of anathema

Noun

That’s a no-no for the National Flood Insurance Program and the Florida Building Code, because single family homes are not usually designed to handle the weight of all that heavy, heavy water pushing on them.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Apparently not, considering that multiple top stylists from across the country cite improper conditioning as the biggest hair care no-no their clients are guilty of.

— Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of no-no

Noun

What are the implications when much of humanity witnesses the same pyrotechnic abomination at the same time?

— David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026
It a thematic fit, and after nearly 200 episodes, there’s no doubting this team’s ability to deliver fresh, new abominations.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of abomination

Noun

After Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany, which in 2021 had imported more than half of its gas from Russia, initially opposed an embargo on Russian oil and gas before reversing course in May of that year.

— Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
Last year, Cuba’s embargo resolution passed with 165 votes, but 19 countries, including the United States, voted against it or abstained, a first at the UN.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of embargo

Noun

The resulting restrictions can, in turn, constrain power generation and hamper economic growth.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Lamy, now with the Jacques Delors Institute, was one of the authors of a recent policy paper that called for restrictions on Chinese exports using a quota system — an idea that the EU has now embraced.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of restriction

Browse Nearby Words

tabloids

taboo

taboos

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Taboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taboo. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of taboo

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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