Synonyms of lewdnext
1
a
: obscene, vulgar
lewd remarks
b
: sexually unchaste or licentious (see licentious sense 1)
lewd behavior
2
obsolete : evil, wicked
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Examples of lewd in a Sentence

He made lewd remarks to the woman at the bar. bystanders were shocked by the lewd behavior of the couple in the park
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Both were charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition, indecent exposure, and resisting arrest. CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 Larry Leroy Candies was arrested on suspicion of eight counts of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child younger than 14 years old, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday afternoon in a news release. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 He was picked up in Tontitown, Arkansas, where the family lives, and charged with one count of lewd and lascivious behavior for molestation of a victim under age 12, and another count of lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026 He was charged in Bay County with lewd and lascivious behavior — molestation of a victim less than 12 years old — and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lewd

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lewed vulgar, from Old English lǣwede laical, ignorant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lewd was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lewd. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

lewd

adjective
1
: showing interest in sex in a rude manner
lewd behavior
2
: indecent
lewd remarks
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective
: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious
convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a childNational Law Journal
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

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