obscene

[uhb-seen] / əbˈsin /

ADJECTIVE

indecent, offensive, immoral

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bawdy coarse crude disgusting horrible improper lewd nasty outrageous pornographic profane repugnant salacious scatological shocking suggestive

WEAK

X-rated atrocious barnyard blue dirty evil filthy foul gross heinous hideous immodest impure lascivious licentious loathsome loose lustful noisome porno prurient rank raunchy raw repellent ribald scabrous scurrilous shameless sickening smutty unchaste unclean unwholesome vile wanton wicked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clean decent formal friendly gentle good magnificent moral nice pleasant pleasing proper refined sophisticated wonderful

WEAK

innocent pure upright

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.

The district attorney later determined that the books weren’t actually obscene.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

In mitigation, the court heard Hamilton's messages were "pestering" but not "sexual, threatening or obscene".

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

His trolling, however, may well draw the attention of President Trump, who was clearly the intended audience for this obscene Supreme Court audition.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

But the Shah was a problematic figure, obscene in his displays of wealth and ruthless in his suppression of dissent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Yes, the dolls were obscene and his act a betrayal.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Vocabulary lists containing obscene

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