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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.

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In April, the chief executive of RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, reacted with an expletive as he watched his company's stock tumble, in response to a major tariff announcement from the White House.

From BBC Oct. 20, 2025

“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

Recent footage of young women swearing during a protest in India has sparked an unusual debate: are expletives worse when they come from women?

From BBC Aug. 26, 2026

Modi himself addressed the issue in a selfie video where he said it was "a culture shock" to see young women using expletives, but added that he forgave them.

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

Eliasberg said public school teachers have strong 1st Amendment protections to share their political views online — expletives and all.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 21, 2024

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




Vocabulary lists containing expletive


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