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Definitions

taboo

[tuh-boo, ta-] / təˈbu, tæ- /
ADJECTIVE
not allowed, permitted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
banned outlawed prohibited tabu unthinkable
STRONG
disapproved forbidden proscribed reserved restricted unmentionable
WEAK
beyond the pale frowned on illegal off-limits out of bounds ruled out unacceptable
Antonyms
WEAK
OK acceptable allowed mentionable
NOUN
something not allowed, permitted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anathema inhibition no-no prohibition stricture superstition
STRONG
ban disapproval forbiddance interdict law limitation proscription regulation reservation restraint restriction sanction
WEAK
don't religious convention social convention thou-shalt-not
Antonyms
STRONG
freedom lawlessness release
WEAK
allowance mentionable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On the other hand, they should be no kind of constitutional, or political, taboo.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Asking for help is "taboo" and might be perceived as a "sign of weakness", she adds.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The grading-proposal committee said this will make A-minuses more common—and therefore less taboo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While death is taboo in our society, I would argue money is equally, if not more, taboo.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Having broken the main taboo, why should I hesitate over another one, something minor?

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing taboo

Human Geography - Middle School

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This Week in Words: January 13 - 19, 2018

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Human Geography - High School

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