expletive
noun
an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane; an exclamatory oath.
expletives
-
pluralof expletive.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Sociologist Shiv Vishwanathan says "the use of expletives is the symptom of a deeper breakdown of democracy, it shows there's end of discussion and a lack of respect".
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
“A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response,” said Steven Cheung, White House communications director.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026
Paraphrasing and removing the expletives, the general reaction from Rangers people was: 'Save the showboating for down south, son'.
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2024
Keywords trigger the A.I., but so do certain combinations that seem threatening—colors associated with criminal organizations, mention of illegal activities, violent verbs, expletives, and some political content, for instance.
From Slate ● Jun. 19, 2023
The class listened to one opera each month—at least made some effort to listen over the thunder of groans and barely suppressed expletives from the athletes who populated the last row of seats.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
