ex·ple·tive
ˈek-splə-tiv 
1
a
: a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense
especially
: a word (such as it in "make it clear which you prefer") that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content
b
: an exclamatory word or phrase
especially
: one that is obscene or profane
2
: one that serves to fill out or as a filling
1
: serving to fill up
expletive phrases
2
: marked by the use of expletives
Synonyms
Examples of expletive in a Sentence
Noun
Angry expletives filled the air.
Expletives were deleted from the transcript of their conversation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024
Finicky, unresponsive, uncomfortable, or unreliable bindings are the bane of any rider’s existence—a thorn in your side that, at best, leads to under-your-breath expletives while strapping in.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2024
While Bay Area residents and fans alike would be sympathetic to Armstrong's expletives, Las Vegas residents were less enthused.
—Jade Gomez, People.com, 30 Sep. 2024
John Oliver thanks Emmy orchestra for interrupting his sad dog speech
John Oliver drew huge laughs for his sudden expletive during his TV speech.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expletive 
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Noun
In the postgame clubhouse following Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the expletives flowed as freely as showers of beer and champagne.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024
Finicky, unresponsive, uncomfortable, or unreliable bindings are the bane of any rider’s existence—a thorn in your side that, at best, leads to under-your-breath expletives while strapping in.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2024
While Bay Area residents and fans alike would be sympathetic to Armstrong's expletives, Las Vegas residents were less enthused.
—Jade Gomez, People.com, 30 Sep. 2024
John Oliver thanks Emmy orchestra for interrupting his sad dog speech
John Oliver drew huge laughs for his sudden expletive during his TV speech.
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expletive
Articles Related to expletive
Dictionary Entries Near expletive
Cite this Entry
“Expletive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expletive. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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