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
Giana Levy, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
Then there will be those who adore it simply for daring to bring up such seemingly taboo matters.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 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
Conversations about weight loss drugs are still taboo, and many people don’t talk about them openly.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
Then there will be those who adore it simply for daring to bring up such seemingly taboo matters.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 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
-
The guidelines might need revising, with a shift in focus away from strict prohibition toward balance and moderation.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Anthropic ran into a similar problem recently because of its strict prohibition on surveillance, which Semafor reported irked White House officials.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the moment, democracy promotion is anathema in Washington.—
Omar G. Encarnación,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Sep. 2025
-
While moderate by Western standards, such sentiments remain anathema to Thailand’s ruling elite, and judging by the fate of the progressive movement’s previous leadership, Natthaphong knows any intention to reform this paramount institution paints an enormous target on his back.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 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
-
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
-
That sort of adventure from Forest defenders was definitely a Nuno no-no.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
-
This wasteful Everglades abomination surely is one of our worst.—
Elise Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There have been a lot of calls for arms embargoes and a halt to aid for Israel.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Israel also faces partial or complete arms embargoes from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and others over its conduct in Gaza.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 2025.
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