profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfa-nə-tē 

prə-

plural profanities

1

a

: the quality or state of being profane

b

: the use of profane language

2

a

: profane language

b

: an utterance of profane language

Synonyms of profanity

• curse
• language
• swear
• expletive
• obscenity
• cuss
• vulgarism

Examples of profanity in a Sentence

The comic uses too much profanity.

My mom will not tolerate profanity.

I have never heard my father utter a single profanity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once inside the club, the affidavit alleges that Bell began arguing with other dancers, running around, throwing items, and using profanity. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

Just this insane profanity-laden tirade that went on and on and on. —Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026

Hathaway made a diving signal several times with his hand and mouthed some profanities. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Ball ended up being fined $60,000 for his actions during the game ($35,000 for the foul, $25,000 for postgame profanity on TV) and assessed a flagrant foul. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for profanity

• humanity
• inanity
• insanity
• urbanity
• christianity
• inhumanity
• sanity
• vanity

Kids Definition

profanity

noun

pro·​fan·​i·​ty prō-ˈfan-ət-ē 

prə-

plural profanities

1

: the quality or state of being profane

2

: profane language