lewd

adjective

ˈlüd How to pronounce lewd (audio)
Synonyms of lewdnext
1
a
: obscene, vulgar
lewd remarks
b
: sexually unchaste or licentious (see licentious sense 1)
lewd behavior
2
obsolete : evil, wicked
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Synonyms of lewd

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Examples of lewd in a Sentence

He made lewd remarks to the woman at the bar. bystanders were shocked by the lewd behavior of the couple in the park
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
He was charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim 12 to 16 years old. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 He has been charged with kidnapping, molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Swalwell, 45, suspended his campaign for governor of California in April after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior ranging from sending lewd, unwanted messages to drugging, raping and choking them. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 In his executive order, DeSantis noted the charges Caruso is facing, which include lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, kidnapping, child abuse causing mental injury, and luring or enticing a child. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lewd

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lewed vulgar, from Old English lǣwede laical, ignorant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lewd was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lewd

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Browse Nearby Words

lew
lewd
lewdly
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Cite this Entry

“Lewd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lewd. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lewd

adjective
ˈlüd How to pronounce lewd (audio)
1
: showing interest in sex in a rude manner
lewd behavior
2
: indecent
lewd remarks
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun

Legal Definition

lewd

adjective
ˈlüd How to pronounce lewd (audio)
: involving or being sexual conduct that is considered indecent or offensive : licentious
convicted of lewd and lascivious assault upon a child—National Law Journal
lewdly adverb
lewdness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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