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
My grandmother extended a ladder up into this tough old cuss of a tree and climbed up, at some risk, to pick the bulging fruit. — Jim Meddleton, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2024 This California school board president has 2 DUIs and cusses. — Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2023
Verb
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 The man who blew the whistle didn’t shout, didn’t cuss and didn’t make a scene. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 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
  • But while social media debates on whether a Glee-boot is a blessing or a curse, the former cast is dusting off their sequin hats.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Embedding nature in the wider business The breadth of nature is a blessing and a curse.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • His swearing-in ceremony was conducted in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Shop more under-$50 basics below, including a 100% mulberry silk turtleneck, office-ready trousers, and cozy suede ankle boots that shoppers swear are better quality than Uggs.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • Axios Business Editor Dan Primack said Anthropic's S-1 filing marked a shift in the company's language towards using public markets to finance compute spending.
    — Ashley Capoot,Jordan Novet,Annie Palmer,Lora Kolodny,Kai Nicol-Schwarz,Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The vulnerability, called P2PShell, impacts a coding language that powers 70% of the world’s websites, enabling hackers to remotely execute code or gain access to information stored on servers.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Referee Bill Vinovich said afterward that Vrabel was flagged for using profanity toward an official.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • According to disciplinary documents obtained by CBS Colorado, Olson used profanity and made derogatory comments about fellow officers, department command staff, and the department generally while discussing the Craig investigation.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • Wearing a shirt telling a candidate to [expletive deleted] or sending another explicit message is also allowed.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Although Gillis moved on in the sketch, Day called back to the expletive later.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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