taboo

[tuh-boo, ta-] / təˈbu, tæ- /

ADJECTIVE

not allowed, permitted

Synonyms

STRONGEST

banned outlawed prohibited tabu unthinkable

STRONG

disapproved forbidden proscribed reserved restricted unmentionable

WEAK

beyond the pale frowned on illegal off-limits out of bounds ruled out unacceptable

Antonyms

WEAK

OK acceptable allowed mentionable

NOUN

something not allowed, permitted

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anathema inhibition no-no prohibition stricture superstition

STRONG

ban disapproval forbiddance interdict law limitation proscription regulation reservation restraint restriction sanction

WEAK

don't religious convention social convention thou-shalt-not

Antonyms

STRONG

freedom lawlessness release

WEAK

allowance mentionable

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.

Asking for help is "taboo" and might be perceived as a "sign of weakness", she adds.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The grading-proposal committee said this will make A-minuses more common—and therefore less taboo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While death is taboo in our society, I would argue money is equally, if not more, taboo.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

But with your tax preparer, the conversation will turn quickly to that taboo topic — your income.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

“I hope I haven’t broached a taboo subject.”

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng