profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfa-nə-tē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
Synonyms of profanitynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being profane
b
: the use of profane language
2
a
: profane language
b
: an utterance of profane language

Synonyms of profanity

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Examples of profanity in a Sentence

The comic uses too much profanity. My mom will not tolerate profanity. I have never heard my father utter a single profanity.
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.
Now, if that fan crosses the line with death threats and extreme profanity, by all means, kick them out of the ballpark. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 The volume was very loud, and all that could be heard was one profanity after another. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 There are faint smudges of pastel crayon on the wall and carved profanities with paint chips revealing the previous cerulean walls. — Ashley Andreou, STAT, 22 June 2026 At first the request elicits trademark Ramsayian profanity. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for profanity

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of profanity was in 1563

Rhymes for profanity

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Browse Nearby Words

profaner
profanity
profanum vulgus
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Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profanity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

profanity

noun
pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfan-ət-ē How to pronounce profanity (audio)
prə-
plural profanities
1
: the quality or state of being profane
2
: profane language

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Nglish: Translation of profanity for Spanish Speakers

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