four-letter word

[fawr-let-er, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌlɛt ər, ˈfoʊr- /

NOUN

obscene word

Synonyms

STRONGEST

expletive obscenity profanity vulgarity

WEAK

bad word curse cuss cuss word dirty word naughty word oath profane oath swear swearword

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decency

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.

“Lull” is a four-letter word at most companies in 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

That four-letter word should put them on notice, if this is a scam.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 10, 2025

"That's why golf is the worst four-letter word in the world," he joked afterwards.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

"Vidler is a four-letter word here in Sandy Valley," Al Marquis told me when I visited the town in February.

From Salon • May 7, 2023

“I don’t think humans have a four-letter word that translates, exactly.”

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan