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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
After all, the legal definition of obscenity has a multi-pronged high bar and is a criminal offense for individuals.
—
Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
The law targets performances that fall under the state's obscenity restrictions, historically an extremely rigorous legal hurdle to clear in court.
—Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Kemp then turned left on Monroe toward the protesters while yelling obscenities at the sergeant, according to prosecutors.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The dissolution of their ten-day relationship led Huda to an epic, many-hours-long crash-out involving a lot of weeping and screaming of obscenities.
—Shannon Keating, Vulture, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
The law targets performances that fall under the state's obscenity restrictions, historically an extremely rigorous legal hurdle to clear in court.
—Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Kemp then turned left on Monroe toward the protesters while yelling obscenities at the sergeant, according to prosecutors.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The dissolution of their ten-day relationship led Huda to an epic, many-hours-long crash-out involving a lot of weeping and screaming of obscenities.
—Shannon Keating, Vulture, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscenity
Noun
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The fastidious formality of Monsieur Gustave H. exists right alongside his matter-of-fact vulgarity, a combination that Fiennes nails with astounding precision.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Robert Rhoads, Oakland Park Politicians and vulgarities Your front-page article on the use of expletives by U.S.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Perfection is a blessing and a curse for Virgo parents.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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Also, the fact that Ken gets cursed by a crazy old ghost actually helps Momo in her alien abduction predicament, with Momo’s newfound spiritual abilities helping to curb Ken’s curse.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Bonus: For every 100ml bottle sold, Omorovicza donates 5% to Water.org, supporting global access to safe water. Jones Road Miracle Balm, $40 Women over 50 swear by this award-winning, Bobbi Brown-founded brand for its nourishing and hydrating qualities.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The word was forbidden in their household and treated like a swear.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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However, studios and filmmakers can be assured that forgoing profanity won’t limit a film’s blockbuster potential.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
8 July 2025
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Rodriguez was speaking in opposition to a new decorum policy that prohibited profanity.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Barring any specific language in the Wilkins contract, the Raiders will have an uphill battle to fight.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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The money, which was used to found a range of initiatives including teacher training and English language programs, was suspended by the Trump administration on June 30 pending a review by the federal Office of Management and Budget.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
As the Oxford English Dictionary notes, the expression not hardly is considered a vulgarism.—
NR Editors,
National Review,
16 Apr. 2020
-
The British cringed over new American accents, coinages and vulgarisms.—
Time,
Time,
11 June 2019
Noun
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There’s a risk of indecency, certainly, but the boundary is subjective, and Bayern smashing 10 past Auckland was merely them completing a full day’s work.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with breach of peace and public indecency.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2025
Noun
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Other posts included in the indictment show Habba was also called expletives.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
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During Tuesday night’s public comment period, the mayor’s mic picked up him uttering an expletive referring to a public commenter, with the moment posted on multiple social media accounts.—
Emilie Takahashi,
Oc Register,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscenity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscenity. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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