cuss 1 of 2

noun

ˈkəs How to pronounce cuss (audio)
Definition of cussnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression a man who has never uttered a single cuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cuss

2 of 2

verb

as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language the little girl clapped her hands over her ears when her brother started cussing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cuss
Noun
My grandmother extended a ladder up into this tough old cuss of a tree and climbed up, at some risk, to pick the bulging fruit. — Jim Meddleton, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2024 This California school board president has 2 DUIs and cusses. — Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2023
Verb
In the 2015 track, Sonya’s boyfriend finds them by the pool and starts cussing them out, pushing Coley to the ground, who, in turn, punches him. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 The man who blew the whistle didn’t shout, didn’t cuss and didn’t make a scene. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuss
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
  4. profanity
  5. expletive
Noun
  • Depp’s character pleads for help to save her husband from his curse.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
  • But maybe, Atlanta native and Midtown resident John Henry Hinkel suggested, Hollywood’s departure is more a blessing than a curse.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of curse
Verb
  • The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona’s Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota’s Eric Wilson.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona's Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota's Eric Wilson.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In 2025, the first chime of bells from a mountain pavilion at dawn, accompanied by a gentle morning greeting, creates a space where each collection is experienced independently and explores the versatile expressions of Songmont’s design language.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Guy didn't seem at first to have a lot on his mind Thursday besides the next double entendre or the next profanity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 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
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • Even Bradley makes an appearance this season, storming out of a conversation in a cloud of expletives in the trailer.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Some Providence parents shook their heads as the clock wound down; others shouted expletives toward school administrators and Nazareth players.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of expletive

Browse Nearby Words

cusps
cuss
cussed
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Cite this Entry

“Cuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuss. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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