1
as in vulgarity
the quality or state of being obscene
the song couldn't be performed on the air due to the obscenity of the lyrics
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
uttered a loud obscenity when he dropped the hammer on his toe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obscenity
Parents should be prepared to turn the channel or cover their children’s eyes and ears so they are not exposed to these obscenities.
—
Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
And where no parent could sit their kids within 15 feet of the Nuggets’ bench without hearing a torrent of Moe obscenities.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Cocoa Beach police responded to Hill-Brodigan’s home that night after receiving multiple calls about the party, some of which said minors were seen walking toward the home through other peoples’ yards and yelled obscenities at them.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The complaint alleges Wagner posted a video last month that directly threatened ICE officers with an obscenity-laden rant.
—Steve Karnowski, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
And where no parent could sit their kids within 15 feet of the Nuggets’ bench without hearing a torrent of Moe obscenities.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Cocoa Beach police responded to Hill-Brodigan’s home that night after receiving multiple calls about the party, some of which said minors were seen walking toward the home through other peoples’ yards and yelled obscenities at them.
—Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The complaint alleges Wagner posted a video last month that directly threatened ICE officers with an obscenity-laden rant.
—Steve Karnowski, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscenity
Noun
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It is hoped that political ad campaigns would aim to lessen the meanness and divisiveness and vulgarity that have damaged our democracy.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Former President Richard Nixon proved himself no slouch in the vulgarity department after reaching the White House in 1969.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Jessie Buckley broke the Chanel curse on Sunday while winning for her leading role in Hamnet.—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
18 Mar. 2026
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The family curse was alive and well.—
Jennifer Wolfgram,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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If an exclamation point only signified gore and grossness, this gothic rock opera would more than qualify.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kennedy could be heard hurling swears at the Swedish team.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
23 Feb. 2026
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And Boring would be that much closer to its 90,000-rider pinkie-swear.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The other funnymen of the time—Milton Berle with his lewd suggestiveness, Jackie Gleason with his baleful roar—did the same shtick over and over.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The witness then saw Trezvant walk back to the pavilion and picnic tables, approach Trumpp, yell a profanity and stab her, according to court documents.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
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Using obscene or abusive language Any use of profanity, insults or abusive language is prohibited under the FDCPA.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Fifty languages are spoken by a dozen ethnic groups, which include my tribe, the Ogoni, the Ijaw (the delta’s largest ethnic group), as well as the Ilaje, Ibibio, Andoni, Itsekiri, and Urhobo peoples.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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His presence is especially visible around the March 31 César Chávez Day, with the state Department of Education offering extensive lesson plans, biographies in multiple languages, and service-learning activities.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscenity. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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