obscenity

noun

äb-ˈse-nə-tē How to pronounce obscenity (audio)
Definition of obscenitynext
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

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 obscenity Basin then turned toward another beachgoer, shouted an obscenity and resumed arguing with members of the group. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 An original call for service indicated that suspects pulled up to a CBS media vehicle and began shouting racial obscenities at a CBS cameraman who is Black, a law enforcement source said. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 And a relatively small number of conservative states have banned drag shows under public indecency or obscenity statutes. — Nina Totenberg, NPR, 30 June 2026 Jonathan Xavier Valdez, 36, of Blue Springs, faces charges of production of child obscenity involving multiple minors, according to a news release from Dave Ketchmark, a spokesperson for the United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscenity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscenity
  1. vulgarity
  2. curse
  3. grossness
  4. swear
  5. suggestiveness
  6. profanity
  7. crudeness
  8. language
Noun
  • The distinction between ugliness and vulgarity feels important now.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of vulgarity
Noun
  • That was a full-length movie filmed in 2004 when the Red Sox were breaking their storied curse, and included Johnny Damon and other players in cameos.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
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
  • 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
Noun
  • During the protest, Lander was approached by individuals calling him a Zionist and yelling profanities.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In 2021, he was banned from attending basketball games for a season after yelling profanity at a player.
    — J.D. Miles, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • There’s some rudeness, aggressive conversations, and crudeness, but nothing too over the top.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of crudeness
Noun
  • From a consideration of apoptosis—the orderly elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells—Solé moves on to failing machines, eroded memories, vanished languages, brittle digital archives, and more.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • High-needs students — defined as those receiving free or reduced price meals, English language learners and students with disabilities — also performed about 10 points below the overall student body in each category.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of language

Browse Nearby Words

obscenities
obscenity
obscurant
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on obscenity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obscenity

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