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
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Example Sentences
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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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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
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That's become a dirty word in tech, code for lazily copying the real world in the digital one.—
David Pierce,
WIRED,
13 Jan. 2017
Noun
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Michigan’s approach through its Global Talent Initiative illustrates how comprehensive language programs can transform careers.—
Alison Griffin,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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The production contains adult language and addresses sensitive topics, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief, a suicide attempt, loss of a child and the use of psychiatric medication, the release said.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The station asked the band not to include the swears.—
Kris Holt,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
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There’s a heavy focus on Asia’s first One&Only spa, featuring a green caviar body exfoliation and an Augustinus Bader facial celebs swear by.—
Katie Lockhart,
Robb Report,
11 Oct. 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 28 Feb. 2025.
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