1
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
some of the movie's most ribald, and thus funniest, scenes were cut for showing on broadcast television
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2
as in suggestive
hinting at or intended to call to mind matters regarded as indecent
a ribald tale rife with double entendres and racy innuendo
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ribald
But Beforeigners eschews the supernatural, and the campier teen soap elements, to deliver a thoughtful, moving, and often quite ribald and funny tale of various worlds colliding.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2020
Later, Society members on the city commission pulled funding from a chamber-of-commerce event, citing concerns about an allegedly ribald country-and-western band.
—Emma Green, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2019
The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a series of paintings and videos.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2019
The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a new series of paintings and videos.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for ribald
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2020
Later, Society members on the city commission pulled funding from a chamber-of-commerce event, citing concerns about an allegedly ribald country-and-western band.
—Emma Green, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2019
The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a series of paintings and videos.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2019
The Los Angeles artist, known for her ribald depictions of middle-aged men and babies (and baby men) wreaking all manner of havoc (bodily and otherwise), is presenting a new series of paintings and videos.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for ribald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribald
Adjective
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According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), individuals may not block access to sidewalks or buildings, disrupt counterprotests, or engage in speech that is obscene, makes knowingly false statements of fact, or incites immediate violence or dangerous disturbances.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
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There is absolutely nothing in libraries across the state that is obscene.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The choreography and lyrics were notably suggestive, and were re-examined when allegations against Kelly came to light in 2019.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
9 Mar. 2025
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The latest: Photos and videos posted to Facebook, Reddit and other sites showed the Patriots Place sign displaying non-explicit cartoon images of anthropomorphic dogs, a cat and one very suggestive purple wolf on a rainbow background.—
Mike Deehan,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There is a ring on my finger that, to quote Rhett Butler, is the biggest and most vulgar ring in Atlanta (Maine), and a six-course, all-cheese dinner is awaiting us afterward.—
Christine Murphy,
People.com,
5 Mar. 2025
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This goes double for vulgar and hateful content, which is a growing problem across social media.—
Ella Cerón,
Parents,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Their Small Batch Bourbon has received accolades for its smooth yet spicy character.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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The handful of flavor choices includes lemon and pistachio, which pair perfectly to cool off the spicy selections in your meal.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the bawdy nature of the pic, A24 booked the movie in theaters over the holiday season as there’s always room for a hard-R play at the Christmas time box office.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2025
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The high point of the Rhineland region carnival season, is its parades showcasing bawdy political satire.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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With 13:33 left in the game, McCaffery grew frustrated by a disparity in foul calls, blew his top and picked up a technical from official Brian Dorsey.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Davis grabbed the offensive rebound following Burton’s try for the win, and Austin was called for a foul down low.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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And then, to top a nasty joke with a nastier one, he was deemed useless for the final twenty years of his life.—
Jackson Arn,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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Fancy record-cleaning machines like this one from Pro-Ject ($450) use a platter and a vacuum system to physically suck the nasty cleaning solution out of the grooves, with a motor that spins the record in two directions.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Every Look from the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet By Vogue Based on Court of Honor, William P. Wood’s 1991 legal thriller, this Turner Network Television original movie finds Tom Selleck playing a municipal judge who pitches in to help with a government sting operation focused on nailing a dirty judge.—
Nell Beram,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2025
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More likely, a veteran like Hill or Ford or any number of others — guys who have played a lot and know how to get the dirty work done — could fit.—
Parker Gabriel,
The Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ribald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribald. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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