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

Example 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 So Far Layton’s contributions also include a playfully obscene drawing that Cohen faxed to her, the photograph of Ihlen used on the back cover of Cohen’s Songs from a Room, and the key to an entrance of Cohen’s apartment on the Greek island of Hydra. —

David Browne, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2025 Following an extensive investigation, police said detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging 29-year-old Curtis Field of Vernon with disseminating obscene material to a minor. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2025 Driving the news: State Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) introduced a bill on Jan. 15 that would create civil liability for companies that publish obscene material online without verifying users' ages. —

Jason Clayworth, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025 But Reubens’ image as a beloved childhood hero was severely tarnished in 1991 when he was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater, and then again in 2002 when he was charged with misdemeanor possession of obscene material. —

Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obscene

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscene

Adjective

That’s crazy to me: divine love shown to us through a disgusting and emaciated corpse hanging on a tool of execution.

— Mike Lowenberg, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
What happens when a social influencer builds her entire rep on a disgusting lie?

— Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025