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Definition of obscene

obscene

/əbˈsiːn/
ob · scene
Adverb:obscenely
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obscene Lexical Profile

obscene Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency, especially regarding sexual matters or language.

Example

"The broadcaster was fined heavily for allowing obscene language during a daytime program."

2

Shockingly excessive, unreasonable, or morally repugnant in scale or degree.

Example

"Critics argued that the executive received an obscene bonus while the company laid off ratusan of workers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for obscene

• Rhymes for obscene

• Nearby Words

obnoxiousness
oboe
oboist
obscene
obscenely
obsceneness
obscenity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French obscène, from Latin obscēnus, originally meaning 'ill-omened' or 'abominable,' possibly related to caenum ('filth') or scaeva ('left-handed' or 'inauspicious').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obscene. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obscene
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