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Definitions

vulgar

[vuhl-ger] / ˈvʌl gər /
ADJECTIVE
rude, offensive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
boorish coarse crude disgusting filthy impolite indecent nasty naughty obscene off-color profane ribald scatological suggestive tasteless tawdry
WEAK
X-rated base blue cheap common contemptible dirty dishonorable fractious gross hard-core ignoble improper indecorous indelicate inferior low malicious odious raw repulsive risqué rough slippery smutty sneaking soft-core sordid uncouth unmannerly unrefined unworthy villainous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
chaste clean decent gentle moral nice pleasant pleasing polite pure refined sophisticated tasteful
WEAK
aesthetic artistic fashionable inoffensive
ADJECTIVE
common, general
Synonyms
STRONGEST
colloquial conversational vernacular
WEAK
dime a dozen everyday familiar garden variety low native ordinary plastic plebeian popular public run-of-the-mill unrefined
Antonyms
WEAK
aesthetic artistic decent fashionable inoffensive nice polite refined

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.

Where, even when dealing with vulgar matters, they stood up for what they believed to be the best of local values.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Mr. Armitage writes with a poet’s mastery of rhythm and rupture, refusing both the sterile fidelity of the scholar and the vulgar opportunism of the adapter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

When, instead, another Black Democrat from Chicago, Barack Obama, headed toward the Democratic nomination in 2008, Jackson’s frustration spilled into public with a vulgar criticism of Obama caught on microphone.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

But now, online scammers were co-opting her iconic image for "vulgar and despicable attempts to exploit her legacy", the Brigitte Bardot Foundation said.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

I’ve been reading her like mad, and no vulgar remarks, please.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Vocabulary lists containing vulgar

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Fences

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