cuss 1 of 2

noun

ˈkəs How to pronounce cuss (audio)
Definition of cussnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression a man who has never uttered a single cuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cuss

2 of 2

verb

as in to swear
to use offensive or indecent language the little girl clapped her hands over her ears when her brother started cussing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cuss
Noun
Betty Sykes didn’t give a cuss what came out of her mouth—and much of it was cusses—or who listened. — Graham Swift, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2022 How many f**king cuss words are in these sh**ty video games, anyway? — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2014
Verb
Song constantly cusses in real life, though, and says that her community doesn't bat an eye at profanity. — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025 After Stefflon opened the battle with accusations of prostitution, Jada returned fire by cussing Steff’s entire family out and questioning Steff’s authenticity. — Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for cuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuss
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
  4. profanity
  5. expletive
Noun
  • The annual cost-of-living adjustment Social Security recipients receive is both a blessing and a curse.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Homewood’s location on the western shore of Lake Tahoe is both a blessing and a curse.
    — Megan Michelson, Outside Online, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of curse
Verb
  • But since President Donald Trump was sworn into office in January, the department has overhauled its offerings.
    — Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Before President Barack Obama was sworn into office in 2009, Benjamin Netanyahu called the Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas out of the blue and asked for a lesson in what was essentially a foreign tongue: the language of Democrats.
    — Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of swear
Noun
  • This ideological clash over language reflects broader political divisions.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Sainz was spoken to by the FIA’s media delegate over his language on Friday morning in Bahrain ahead of opening practice at the Sakhir circuit.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of language
Noun
  • The uncensored version was initially available on Peacock Sunday morning but was later replaced with an edited version that removed the profanity.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And the American president used profanities over how Israel carried out the war in Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.
    — Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of profanity
Noun
  • Mischer lost his temper and let out a string of expletives — which went out live on CNN.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Upon hearing the truth, Kevin drags his son out of the container, gives him an earful of expletives, and zaps him with a taser baton.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of expletive

Browse Nearby Words

cusps
cuss
cussed
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Cite this Entry

“Cuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuss. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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