cuss 1 of 2

noun

ˈkəs How to pronounce cuss (audio)
Definition of cussnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression a man who has never uttered a single cuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cuss

2 of 2

verb

as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language the little girl clapped her hands over her ears when her brother started cussing

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 cuss
Noun
Betty Sykes didn’t give a cuss what came out of her mouth—and much of it was cusses—or who listened. — Graham Swift, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2022 He’d just been followed down a country highway by an angry mob, which screamed cusses and gave him the finger. — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026
Verb
Mayes wanted to cuss the faceless user out, but decided to simply block the account. — Ella Chakarian, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2026 In the 2015 track, Sonya’s boyfriend finds them by the pool and starts cussing them out, pushing Coley to the ground, who, in turn, punches him. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuss
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
  4. profanity
  5. expletive
Noun
  • Brazil’s European curse at the World Cup continues thanks to Norway’s biggest star.
    — Andy Clayton, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • Not obsessed One Wish Willow Nikki, but actual Nikki, now awoken from her curse when Bear dies.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • Social media videos show drivers aghast at the lines or swearing at empty gas pumps and rising prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • There were even Colombian fans with yellow and red split shirts, who swore allegiance to their beloved Colombia, but wanted to pay their respect to one of the legends of the game.
    — Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • In a world order in rupture, international law remains the one language power still has to answer to.
    — Alain Berset, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Although it is celebrated primarily in Latin, Lauer said the language is only part of its appeal.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations described the threats as two profanity-laced, threatening audio messages left for the center.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The couple’s relationship began with a friendship bracelet and a podcast shout-out in July 2023, and by September Swift was screaming profanities in support of her new favorite football player.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • Bat met ball and, under his breath, Astros manager Joe Espada muttered an expletive.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Applying frosting is one of the few things that cannot be said to be a subset of Haaland’s métier; after tossing his balky piping bag aside in frustration, the Norseman issued an expletive that was deemed bleep-worthy by Fox’s Standards & Practices crew.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of expletive

Browse Nearby Words

cusps
cuss
cussed
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Cite this Entry

“Cuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuss. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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