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Definition of salacious

salacious

/səˈleɪ.ʃəs/
sa · la · cious
Adverb:salaciously
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salacious Lexical Profile

salacious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or conveying an undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters, especially in a sensationalized or vulgar way.

Example

"The tabloid newspaper was criticized for publishing salacious gossip about the politician's private life."

2

Driven by or displaying strong sexual desire; lustful or lecherous.

Example

"In classic comedies of manners, the stock character of the salacious old aristocrat is frequently outwitted by the young heroine."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for salacious

• Nearby Words

salaam
salability
salable
salacious
salad
saladin
salado

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin salac-, the stem of salax ('lustful'), which derives from the verb salire ('to leap'), originally referring to male animals leaping upon females during mating.

Cite this Entry

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