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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also tabu
1
as in prohibition
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in anathema
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of taboo
Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 26 Jan. 2026
Swinging is having a bit of a moment on TV, thanks to shows like Couple to Throuple and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives delving into the formerly taboo subject.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Yet the phenomenon is hard to track in the remote villages where the Emberá live, not just because most can be reached only by boat, and have little phone service, but also because of the taboo around the topic.
—Camila Osorio, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taboo
Adjective
For those seeking more intense, morally gray relationships with taboo themes and trigger warnings, dark romance has become the go-to subgenre.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 26 Jan. 2026
Swinging is having a bit of a moment on TV, thanks to shows like Couple to Throuple and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives delving into the formerly taboo subject.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
Is a taboo crossed when someone attacks?
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Yet the phenomenon is hard to track in the remote villages where the Emberá live, not just because most can be reached only by boat, and have little phone service, but also because of the taboo around the topic.
—Camila Osorio, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for taboo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taboo
Adjective
-
Women, whether secular or religious, remain forbidden to read, write or tell stories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
One of Japan’s most beloved television personalities — and a perennial favorite-host winner — Matsuko brings her sharp insight and commanding presence to a forbidden auction staged in a mysterious underground space.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The state Senate on Tuesday night narrowly endorsed a constitutional amendment that would do away with the state’s prohibition on legislative direct compensation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The prohibition would not apply to federally licensed firearm manufacturers.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For months, perhaps years, the idea of trading the franchise icon was anathema in Wisconsin.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
-
This index is the first to go in a tough tape created by a pernicious bond market; higher rates are a small-cap anathema.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There is, however, room for questions about where the line between prohibited and acceptable political involvement will fall in practice.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
-
The list of prohibited and restricted items, as found on the CBP website, includes alcohol, biological materials, firearms, food and produce such as fruits and vegetables, soil, wildlife, fish, and gold, among other items.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Miami-Dade County may make noisy nautical nightlife a no-no.—
Douglas Hanks,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
-
That’s been a no-no inside the Dolphins.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yes, the opening animation was an abomination, but what followed was almost — almost — enough to make up for it.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Orthodox Jews viewed the pop-up novelty with its mixed troupes as an abomination, but young female actors and singers embraced the emancipatory promise of the stage.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Only Congress has the legal authority to lift the embargo.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
-
That changed with the embargoes and boycotts of the First World War—exactly the time that Eastern European Jews were getting their American foothold.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This garish cavalcade of perversions, which just premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, should have been shocking and transgressive; the pieces are certainly there.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
15 Feb. 2026
-
According to Jackson, that is a perversion of the law.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taboo. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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