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

The camera then cut to McCarthy, who muttered a profanity in response. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Broadcast cameras captured Seeman turning toward McBride and directing profanity at him. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

For example, some principals have dismissed coaches for using profanity. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Shrieking profanities, blocking traffic, attacking police and wreaking havoc are not arguments, but for many activists, that’s beside the point. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 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