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.
Referee Bill Vinovich said afterward that Vrabel was flagged for using profanity toward an official. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Olson did not dispute using profanity and expressed remorse, according to the investigative findings. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 The teenagers alleged that Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted them and used profanity. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 But much like the way studios and directors of the 1960s and ’70s embraced the once-taboo profanity and nudity, this year AI has found a new wave of advocates eager to go public. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profanity. Accessed 27 Oct. 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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