Thesaurus results for PROSTITUTION

prostitution

noun

ˌprä-stə-ˈtü-shən

Definition of prostitution

sometimes offensive

as in vice

the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money prostitution is illegal in most states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 prostitution The Daily News reported the soliciting prostitution charge was dropped, and the indecent exposure charge was reduced to public lewdness. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 The charges originally included engaging in prostitution but were later amended. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The news of San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York’s arrest in Ohio Sunday for initially engaging in prostitution is undoubtedly embarrassing for York and concerning for the franchise. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 As part of the agreement, Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two state prostitution charges in Florida and serve an 18-month prison sentence. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prostitution

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostitution

harlotry

Noun

In one case, the life of an upper-class woman and contemporary of Julius Caesar, Clodia, saw her reputation destroyed by false claims of harlotry, home-wrecking, and husband-killing.

— Time, Time, 24 Nov. 2025
Within the slippery world of harlotry—where class can be transcended and humanity bought—relationships form that defy our historical assumptions about the bounded categories of human experience.

— Sarah Marshall, New Republic, 2 June 2017

Definition of harlotry

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prostituting

prostitution

prostitutions

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

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Synonyms of prostitution

noun

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