as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
clapped her hands over the toddler's ears so he wouldn't hear the four-letter word
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of four-letter word
In an audio excerpt, an air traffic controller can be heard uttering a four-letter word.
—
Livia Albeck-Ripka, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2023
The only hard coral in Rhode Island waters, it’s often described with a four-letter word: drab.
—BostonGlobe.com, 20 May 2021
Their cackling machinations to keep their seats and punish opponents, all while insulting Black people, Oaxacans and others, made the very idea of Latino political power a four-letter word.
—Gustavo Arellanocolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2022
Mater Dei Catholic tennis coach Jose Oropeza says there is a four-letter word that is unacceptable on his team.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for four-letter word
Livia Albeck-Ripka, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2023
The only hard coral in Rhode Island waters, it’s often described with a four-letter word: drab.
—BostonGlobe.com, 20 May 2021
Their cackling machinations to keep their seats and punish opponents, all while insulting Black people, Oaxacans and others, made the very idea of Latino political power a four-letter word.
—Gustavo Arellanocolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2022
Mater Dei Catholic tennis coach Jose Oropeza says there is a four-letter word that is unacceptable on his team.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for four-letter word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for four-letter word
Noun
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The Chinese Communist Party is a curse upon the earth.—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
19 Feb. 2025
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Finishing fifth — or even fourth, as Liverpool managed last season — has historically been a bit of a curse, with teams struggling to build on their successes.—
Jessy Parker Humphreys,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Some fear the trend away from DEI will accelerate now that Trump has turned it into a dirty word.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2025
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While diversity, equity and inclusion have become dirty words in Washington, D.C, that’s not true among local beer professionals.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Not to be confused with the dual language program for English learners (EL), Ambroiggio said approximately 7,000 students whose first language is other than English are in a program to develop their English skills to a level with their peers.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
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But, Offit said, Makary’s language has damaged public trust in health institutions, including the one he’s been picked to lead.—
Matthew Perrone,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Could a nice good swear on the pitch to express one’s anger stop a player from lashing out physically, channelling their anger through their vocal cords rather than their fists?—
Nick Miller,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
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The station asked the band not to include the swears.—
Kris Holt,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to four-letter word
Cite this Entry
“Four-letter word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/four-letter%20word. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
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