1
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
a rap song that is filled with profanities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in vulgarity
the quality or state of being obscene
once notorious for its profanity, that 1950s best seller will strike today's readers as lamentably tame
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of profanity
Animal Noises The original poster (OP) explained that the group of seven young diners was rowdy, using excessive profanity and making animal noises while ordering the most expensive entrees and desserts.
—
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
One study, published in 2014 by other researchers in the field, found that curse words on Twitter, now known as X, appeared in 7.7 percent of posts, with profanity representing about 1 in every 10 words on the platform.
—Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Song constantly cusses in real life, though, and says that her community doesn't bat an eye at profanity.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Later during general public comments, gun rights activist Christopher J. Grisham was removed from the court after using profanity during his comments.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
One study, published in 2014 by other researchers in the field, found that curse words on Twitter, now known as X, appeared in 7.7 percent of posts, with profanity representing about 1 in every 10 words on the platform.
—Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Song constantly cusses in real life, though, and says that her community doesn't bat an eye at profanity.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Later during general public comments, gun rights activist Christopher J. Grisham was removed from the court after using profanity during his comments.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanity
Noun
-
The Chinese Communist Party is a curse upon the earth.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Finishing fifth — or even fourth, as Liverpool managed last season — has historically been a bit of a curse, with teams struggling to build on their successes.—
Jessy Parker Humphreys,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Even those Republicans who are wary of his volatile leadership style, penchant for vulgarity and willingness to violate conservative orthodoxies are generally reluctant to air those criticisms publicly.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
21 Dec. 2024
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Corbet’s awkward forcing of his characters into his conceptual framework leads to absurdities and vulgarities—not least in the depiction of László’s first and only Black acquaintance, a laborer named Gordon (Isaach De Bankolé), as a heroin addict.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Michigan’s approach through its Global Talent Initiative illustrates how comprehensive language programs can transform careers.—
Alison Griffin,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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On Thursday, Nvidia launched a language learning platform using artificial intelligence that promises to do just that for American Sign Language learners, in partnership with the American Society for Deaf Children and creative agency Hello Monday.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The station asked the band not to include the swears.—
Kris Holt,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
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There’s a heavy focus on Asia’s first One&Only spa, featuring a green caviar body exfoliation and an Augustinus Bader facial celebs swear by.—
Katie Lockhart,
Robb Report,
11 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Police received multiple reports related to juveniles consuming alcohol, noise, obscenities being shouted, and more, according to Florida Today, part of USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
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Though this form of censorship has since been deemed unconstitutional by various U.S. Supreme Court decisions, debates over what constitutes obscenity, child pornography and artistic expression persist.—
Amy Werbel,
The Conversation,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Mountfield, 62, responded by questioning, with a scattering of expletives, who Fernandes even was.—
Laurie Whitwell,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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The show’s interrogation of conservative history is rigorous and occasionally peppered with expletives, but the exchanges with guests are nuanced and civil.—
Jeffrey Fleishman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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And, when the alarm wails hours before dawn, human cusses of angry protest join the chorus of budget appliances failing before their time.—
Virginia Konchan,
The New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2024
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My grandmother extended a ladder up into this tough old cuss of a tree and climbed up, at some risk, to pick the bulging fruit.—
Jim Meddleton,
The Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2024
Noun
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As the Oxford English Dictionary notes, the expression not hardly is considered a vulgarism.—
NR Editors,
National Review,
16 Apr. 2020
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The British cringed over new American accents, coinages and vulgarisms.—
Time,
Time,
11 June 2019
Cite this Entry
“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profanity. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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