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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of taboo
Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Though swinging has long-been, and continues to be, a taboo topic, it's gotten more attention in recent years, as swingers and people who engage in other forms of non-monogamy have come forward to share their experiences on social media.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Charles Trepany, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Conversations about weight loss drugs are still taboo, and many people don’t talk about them openly.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taboo
Adjective
His work was defined by being unafraid to tackle social issues long considered taboo.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Though swinging has long-been, and continues to be, a taboo topic, it's gotten more attention in recent years, as swingers and people who engage in other forms of non-monogamy have come forward to share their experiences on social media.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
Though still largely taboo in popular culture, open relationships have been having a moment, at least online.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Conversations about weight loss drugs are still taboo, and many people don’t talk about them openly.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taboo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taboo
Adjective
-
Lina, a young woman facing harsh coming-of-age rituals, forms a forbidden connection with a man.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
-
With every temptation, Jesus is lured into a forbidden world, and a terrified Joseph soon realizes that a demonic power is at work.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Despite legalization in dozens of states and widespread public support, cannabis brands remain locked out of most major advertising channels due to federal prohibition.—
Cynthia Salarizadeh,
Rolling Stone,
10 Oct. 2025
-
In addition, the NCAA on Monday clarified that, regardless of college athletes and coaches betting on pro sports, NCAA championships will continue with prohibitions on advertising and sponsorships associated with sports betting.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Finally, the agreement carries a strong whiff of colonialism that is anathema to many Palestinians.—
Hussein Ibish,
The Atlantic,
1 Oct. 2025
-
At the moment, democracy promotion is anathema in Washington.—
Omar G. Encarnación,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Sep. 2025
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
-
In my eyes, traveling with open-toed shoes is a big no-no.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
-
While blowing leaves into the street is a no-no, so too is pushing leaves into other common areas like walkways, sidewalks, and other neighbors’ yards.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Cast aside as an abomination, Karloff’s gentle giant only craves an intimate connection with someone else.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Of course, there was the Luka Doncic abomination that caused a collective jaw drop among the entire basketball world.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In 1973, the stock market crashed, and the Arab oil embargo caused a supply shock that left Americans waiting hours for fuel.—
Taylor Millard,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Oct. 2025
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Although official critics' reviews are under embargo, many journalists flooded social media with their gushing reactions to the movie.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dropping the criminal charges against Adams amounted to a political perversion of the justice system.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Empsall’s small church offers classes on Christian resistance to fascism and how to reject White Christian nationalism as a perversion of Christianity.—
Liam Adams,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Taboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taboo. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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