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Synonyms

curse word

American  

noun

curse words plural
  1. a profane or obscene word, especially as used in anger or for emphasis; curse.

    Synonyms:
    swear word, profanity, obscenity, oath, cussword, cuss
  2. any term conceived of as offensive.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of curse word

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

“I never said a curse word or stood up or threatened anyone, but it was hot under the collar, and I regret that,” Dorph said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2023

We recorded together, a wonderful song and not one curse word — a very, very positive message.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2023

Raphael Bostic, president of the Atlanta Federal Reserve, joked Tuesday in separate remarks that “transitory” is now seen as the equivalent of a curse word at the Atlanta Fed.

From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2021

Inexplicably, not a single curse word comes out of George Brett.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2019

When I am working here, I think of Señor Santos, who probably never used a curse word, not even exclaimed “¡Ay Chihuahua!”

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

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