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expletive

[ek-spli-tiv] / ˈɛk splɪ tɪv /
NOUN
swear word; exclamation
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His predecessor Joe Biden also caused controversy for aiming an expletive at a worker during his own visit to a factory in Detroit while on the campaign trail in 2020.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

“There was an expletive in there, and she said, ‘Get back to the office, and update your program,’” Simon said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2024

"Hey Congresspeople! Beware! Hell hath no fury like a . . . scorned," he adds, making a cutesy little face where one guesses an expletive would have otherwise been verbalized.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2023

McLemore’s use of an expletive to describe his hometown gives the podcast its abbreviated title.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 4, 2023

If you hear the word, “Impossible!” spoken as an expletive, followed by laughter, you will know that someone’s orderly research plan is coming along nicely.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas




Vocabulary lists containing expletive


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