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Definitions

obscenity

[uhb-sen-i-tee, -see-ni-] / əbˈsɛn ɪ ti, -ˈsi nɪ- /
NOUN
indecency, immorality; vulgarism
Synonyms
STRONGEST
four-letter word indecency pornography profanity smut vulgarity
STRONG
abomination affront atrocity bawdiness blight blueness coarseness curse dirtiness evil filthiness foulness immodesty impropriety impurity indelicacy lewdness licentiousness lubricity offense outrage porn prurience salacity scatology scurrility sleaze smuttiness swearword vileness wrong
WEAK
X-rating dirty name dirty word suggestiveness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decency
STRONG
blessing compliment delight goodness happiness joy kindness pleasantry right virtue
WEAK
cleanness innocence morality propriety purity uprightness

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.

That this is a grotesque obscenity and cannot be allowed to continue?

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

To publish “Ulysses” in 1934 without risking prosecution, Random House first had to orchestrate a court case to prove the book innocent of obscenity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Maybe it’s just a vibe, or as Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once wrote about obscenity: “I know it when I see it.”

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

It sets rules for disclosing sponsors, emergency broadcasts, and content regarding obscenity and decency.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

Please confine yourself to discussing issues and such; thereby you will at least avoid obscenity and offense.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.