RIBALD Synonyms: 132 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ribald are coarse , gross , obscene , and vulgar . While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent. // entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

Q: Where would 'coarse' be a reasonable alternative to 'ribald'?

The synonyms coarse and ribald are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language. // found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

Q: When can 'gross' be used instead of 'ribald'?

The meanings of gross and ribald largely overlap; however, gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness. // gross eating habits

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

While in some cases nearly identical to ribald , 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 'vulgar' be a better fit than 'ribald'?

The words vulgar and ribald are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding. // a loud vulgar belch

ribald

adjective

ˈri-bəld

Definition of ribald

as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society some of the movie's most ribald, and thus funniest, scenes were cut for showing on broadcast television

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in suggestive

hinting at or intended to call to mind matters regarded as indecent a ribald tale rife with double entendres and racy innuendo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of ribald are coarse, gross, obscene, and vulgar. While all these words mean "offensive to good taste or morals," ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent.

entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

Where would coarse be a reasonable alternative to ribald?

The synonyms coarse and ribald are sometimes interchangeable, but coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language.

found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive

When can gross be used instead of ribald?

The meanings of gross and ribald largely overlap; however, gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness.

gross eating habits

In what contexts can obscene take the place of ribald?

While in some cases nearly identical to ribald, 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 vulgar be a better fit than ribald?

The words vulgar and ribald are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 ribald There’s Harley Russell, ribald proprietor and performer at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop in Erick, Okla. — Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Over the years, the notoriously ribald Stern has interviewed hundreds of actors, comedians, music artists, athletes, politicians and more on his show. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Eight years ago that original, decidedly more ribald version, was a surprise hit with gay men. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, sun-sentinel.com, 14 Oct. 2020 But, Brigman found, the men in Stieglitz’s scene often belittled the subject, ogling and making ribald jokes. — Sarah Blackwood, The New Yorker, 11 May 2020 See All Example Sentences for ribald

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribald

Adjective

More than 3,000 shows and a sizable cult following later, The Dark Room has evolved into a choose-your-own-adventure live action video game, presided over by Robertson as its obscene, merciless and incredibly quick-witted host.

— Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
The law is aimed at prohibiting children from obtaining books and movies with obscene content.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of obscene

Adjective

Nightcap is a deliciously addictive gourmand, blending cozy vanilla and rich woods with sparkling ginger and cardamom for a spicy-sweet twist.

— Allure Editors, Allure, 31 Aug. 2026
The dish is spicy enough and not so thick with cream or flour and is a standout in the clam chowder world, according to Times reader Mary Ann Mollenkamp.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of spicy

Adjective

The sheriff’s office said Ahlers had hundreds, and possibly thousands, of pornographic photos and videos of children on his hard drive.

— Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
The employees also sent pornographic magazines with David Steiner’s name to a neighbor’s home and planned to install a GPS device on the couple’s car.

— Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of pornographic

Adjective

When James Graham’s play Ink premiered in London in 2017 and jumped to Broadway two years later, director Rupert Goold infused the drama with rollercoaster momentum, extravagant musical flourishes and jolts of bawdy low comedy.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
With the candy-floss hair and knock-‘em-out curves, Dolly Parton has made a living off her bawdy, larger-than-life image.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of bawdy

Adjective

The ball rolled all the way into the Rays’ bullpen in foul territory while Taylor sprinted to third.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
The rotting food has drawn swarms of flies and rats with a foul rancid smell that Boyle Heights residents have said kept them indoors, and business owners have said kept customers away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of foul

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ribaldry

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“Ribald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribald. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ribald

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