profanity

noun

prō-ˈfa-nə-tē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
Definition of profanitynext
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of profanity The camera then cut to McCarthy, who muttered a profanity in response. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 For example, some principals have dismissed coaches for using profanity. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Shrieking profanities, blocking traffic, attacking police and wreaking havoc are not arguments, but for many activists, that’s beside the point. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 The day started with Davis Webb screaming profanities into his headset, Sean Payton kicking unidentifiable objects along the sideline and fans booing the Broncos in their home opener. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profanity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profanity
  1. curse
  2. vulgarity
  3. language
  4. grossness
  5. swear
  6. obscenity
  7. expletive
  8. suggestiveness
Noun
  • The film represents Universal trying to break the franchise’s box office curse.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Related Stories Taibah, who also wrote the screenplay, plays Hayat, a fiercely independent young woman convinced that a generational curse will kill her on her 30th birthday.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • Lower courts upheld the ban, finding the veiled vulgarity of the phrase allows schools to ban it.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The diaries—particularly in Julian Sachs’s unexpurgated version, which captures Pavese’s alternating earnestness, archness, and pungent vulgarity—pose something of a problem.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • Givenchy was also fascinating, as Marco de Vincenzo is forging a new language for accessories there.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jordan Firstman and Matteo Lane were recently unveiled as the English-language voices of Jim and Lucien.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • But Paddy’s isn’t Sudz, and the Gang’s efforts to soft-pedal their antics to be more in line with those mainstream bars devolved into typical Sunny-style hostility and off-putting grossness.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
  • All your Dad has to do is fill it and drink—the microfilter membrane will do the rest by removing chlorine odors, dirt, bacteria, and any other grossness floating around in there.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Definition of grossness
Noun
  • The pinky swear proved binding, as Nelson wrote the screenplay within six weeks.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Why fill with swears a show that might otherwise have been appointment viewing for the whole family?
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • After most of the sellout crowd filed out Wednesday, one solitary Sox fan stood at his seat under the press box, shouting obscenities about the Guardians and the city of Cleveland.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Shawn Seaman on Monday told KDKA about some of the incidents that involve young people entering local businesses, yelling obscenities and racial slurs and then running out.
    — Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of obscenity
Noun
  • Although Gillis moved on in the sketch, Day called back to the expletive later.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Moments after McBride complained to Seeman about the play, sideline cameras showed Seeman mouthing inaudible words, appearing to be expletives, to McBride, who seemed surprised by Seeman’s conduct.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of expletive
Noun
  • The Averys also lack the deep, metaphysical suggestiveness of the Gottliebs.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The bucket quickly went viral for its not-safe-for-work suggestiveness.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of suggestiveness

Browse Nearby Words

profanities
profanity
profess
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Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profanity. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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