LICENTIOUS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

licentious

adjective

lī-ˈsen(t)-shəs

Definition of licentious

as in passionate

having a strong sexual desire a moralist who decried what she regarded as the licentious and corrupt culture of the entertainment industry

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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 licentious Wilkes was a member of the supposedly licentious Hellfire Club, one of those groups (think of Led Zeppelin in our time) known for satanic pursuits that probably were mostly drunken stunts. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 While Black writers and artists looked to Harlem as a source of optimism and inspiration, whites saw Harlem and other centers of urban Black life as alluring quarters for their more licentious desires. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 His strained, sandpaper-coarse timbre served as an ideal conduit for songs concerned with boisterous revelries, shady agreements, licentious intentions and musical pleasures. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 The mansion has been renovated before, and previous mayor Dave Bing, when newly elected, was transparent about the amount used on upgrades, ending the shroud of licentious rumors regarding the mansion since 2010. — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 22 May 2025 Whereas The Swimming-Pool Library transpires over one London summer — the last licentious gasp before AIDS— and The Line of Beauty spans the Thatcher era, Hollinghurst has lately been expanding his temporal horizons. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024 Ahmed is referring to the era in Tangier's history, beginning in the interwar period and peaking in the 1950s, when the city served as a licentious playground for a motley assortment of artists, socialites, and hedonists. — Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for licentious

Adjective

Over the last six months of development, Carla has certainly proved to be a passionate writer and producer.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Three decades removed, Westwood is still a cinematic ghost town that passionate film lovers are trying to revive.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of passionate

Adjective

As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026
In May, officials in Kern County alone also reported a 42% loss in cherry production this year due to a hot stretch in March followed by April rain accounting for a total loss of more than $13 million for growers.

— Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hot

Adjective

Robert also identifies the lustful subtext of Bret’s fixation on Robert and Susan together.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
In March, the Miami Herald also joined Welty and the Croc Docs on a trip deep in the interior of the northern Everglades to track down lustful male pythons.

— Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of lustful

Browse Nearby Words

licentiates

licentious

licentiousness

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Style

“Licentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licentious. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of licentious

adjective

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