Obscene: meaning, definitions and examples

Inappropriate and disgusting language, behavior, or imagery, usually relating to sexual content. Often used in legal and formal settings.

• The movie was banned for its obscene content.
• He was fined for making obscene gestures in public.

Something considered improper, shocking, or offensive, especially related to moral standards. Often used in legal contexts and public decency discussions.

• The comedian's indecent jokes offended many in the audience.
• She was charged with indecent exposure.

Lacking sophistication or good taste, often crude or coarse, and sometimes relating to explicit content. Generally implies a lack of refinement.

• She was embarrassed by his vulgar jokes at the dinner party.
• The song's vulgar lyrics prompted a warning label.

Lustful and offensive in a sexual way, typically describing behavior, comments, or looks. Often implies a sense of being vile or predatory.

• He was fired for making lewd comments to his colleagues.
• Stay away from him; he has a reputation for lewd behavior.

Causing someone to feel hurt, upset, or angry. Can refer to any kind of disrespectful or distasteful behavior or language, not limited to sexual content.

• His remarks were incredibly offensive to many people.
• The offensive smell made everyone in the room uncomfortable.

Use this word for something deeply offensive or morally wrong, often related to sexual content.

• The comedian's jokes were so obscene that many people walked out of the show

Suitable for referring to behavior or clothing that is not appropriate, especially in a sexual manner.

• Her outfit was considered indecent by some of the more conservative guests

Use this word to describe actions, words, or behavior that are crude, unrefined, or in bad taste.

• The movie was criticized for its vulgar humor and swear words

This word works well for describing something that causes strong feelings of dislike or nausea.

• The smell of the garbage was absolutely disgusting

Best used to talk about words or actions that can hurt or insult someone.

• His comments about her appearance were extremely offensive

Used to describe something that is offensive, shocking, and morally repugnant, usually sexually explicit visual content, language, or materials.

• The movie was banned for its obscene content
• Some of the lyrics in that song are considered obscene

Explicitly associated with pornography, directly involving or depicting explicit sexual acts meant to cause sexual arousal.

• The website was shut down for hosting pornographic material
• She was uncomfortable with the pornographic images in the magazine

Refers to something that is inappropriate, often in a sexual way but less extreme and more about violation of social standards rather than moral outrage.

• His indecent behavior at the party was unacceptable
• Wearing such indecent outfits is not allowed at school

Commonly used to describe explicit sexual behavior or remarks that are vulgar and intended to provoke a sexual response, often with a negative connotation.

• He was fired for making lewd comments to a colleague
• The magazine was criticized for its lewd images