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Meaning & use

obscene

adjective·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/əbˈsiːn/
US/əbˈsiːn/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Shocking and offensive to normal standards of decency, especially because of sexual or crude content.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: an obscene gesture; the language was obscene.

    Patterns

    • obscene language
    • obscene gesture

    The radio host was fined for using obscene language.

    An obscene gesture got the driver in trouble.

    Courts once banned the book as obscene.

  2. adjectivecomparablefigurativedisapproving

    Wrong or offensive because it is excessive or heartless, especially of wealth or waste.

    Grammar: Figurative use for moral offense: an obscene profit.

    Patterns

    • an obscene amount of something

    Critics called the bonuses obscene while workers lost their jobs.

    He spent an obscene amount of money on a party.

    The gap between rich and poor is obscene.

Word forms

comparativemore obscene
superlativemost obscene

Common combinations

obscene language
Obscene language is not allowed in the stadium.
obscene gesture
He made an obscene gesture at the referee.
obscene profit
The firm made an obscene profit during the crisis.
obscene phone call
She reported an obscene phone call.
morally obscene
Many saw the display as morally obscene.

Synonyms and how they differ

indecent
Indecent is a bit milder and covers things that break rules of decency, while obscene suggests greater shock.
vulgar
Vulgar means crude or lacking taste, which can be less serious than obscene.
lewd
Lewd points to crude sexual behavior specifically, whereas obscene can also describe greed.
outrageous
Outrageous means shocking in a general way, with no link to sex or crude content.

Opposites

decentcleanwholesome

Word family

obscenity noun
an obscene word, act or quality
obscenely adverb
in an extremely offensive or excessive way
obscenities noun
offensive words or acts

Commonly confused: obscene or obscure?

obscene vs obscure

Obscure means unclear or little known, and has no link to offensiveness.

Practice

Many people felt it was ___ for the executives to receive huge bonuses while the factory closed.

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