OBSCENE Synonyms: 224 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'obscene' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscene are coarse , gross , ribald , and vulgar . While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters. // obscene language not allowed on the air

Q: When might 'coarse' be a better fit than 'obscene'?

While the synonyms coarse and obscene are close in meaning, coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language. // found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Q: When is 'gross' a more appropriate choice than 'obscene'?

The words gross and obscene can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness. // gross eating habits

Q: When would 'ribald' be a good substitute for 'obscene'?

The words ribald and obscene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent. // entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

Q: In what contexts can 'vulgar' take the place of 'obscene'?

The synonyms vulgar and obscene are sometimes interchangeable, but vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding. // a loud vulgar belch

obscene

adjective

äb-ˈsēn

Definition of obscene next

as in pornographic

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society obscene gestures are totally inappropriate in the workplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment that ugly new store is really an obscene bit of architecture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obscene different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscene are coarse, gross, ribald, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters.

obscene language not allowed on the air

When might coarse be a better fit than obscene?

While the synonyms coarse and obscene are close in meaning, coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When is gross a more appropriate choice than obscene?

The words gross and obscene can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

When would ribald be a good substitute for obscene?

The words ribald and obscene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

In what contexts can vulgar take the place of obscene?

The synonyms vulgar and obscene are sometimes interchangeable, but vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding.

a loud vulgar belch

Examples 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 obscene Declan, quite a serious character in the novel, proceeds to drink obscene amounts of whiskey and smoke intellectually in the bath, glowering beneath his mustache. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe got most of the attention for his racist routine, but the event was filled with bigotry and obscene references. —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 On the surface, that might be viewed as an obscene amount of money for a 32-year-old, who couldn't stay on the floor during the Paris Olympics. —

Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 This tape is strictly for the streets and made to be played in a car at obscene levels. —

Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obscene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscene

Adjective

At least Gill thinks that coffee is disgusting too.

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
Trump is disgusting, unhinged and unfit to represent the United States.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024