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
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
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The great thing about the Dove partnership is that Lynch is able to be himself and show off that trademark humor -- with a lot of expletives -- in the social media teasers for the fragrance.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
This certainly isn’t the first time there’s been an on-air flub with expletives.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Bears coach Ben Johnson is probably happy to get out of Detroit, where he was serenaded with a chorus of boos and expletives throughout his team's loss.
—Christian Romo, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expletive
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.
Noun
Ronson politely demurred the money twice until Combs barked at him with an expletive to take the money.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
The great thing about the Dove partnership is that Lynch is able to be himself and show off that trademark humor -- with a lot of expletives -- in the social media teasers for the fragrance.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
This certainly isn’t the first time there’s been an on-air flub with expletives.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Bears coach Ben Johnson is probably happy to get out of Detroit, where he was serenaded with a chorus of boos and expletives throughout his team's loss.
—Christian Romo, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expletive
Cite this Entry
“Expletive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expletive. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share