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salacious

English → EnglishliteraryformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "salacious": The word "salacious" describes something that is inappropriately lustful or lecherous. It paints a p

What does "salacious" mean?

The word "salacious" describes something that is inappropriately lustful or lecherous. It paints a picture of someone or something that focuses excessively on sexual matters in a way that feels dirty, suggestive, or designed to stir up scandal. You will most often see this word used in formal contexts, such as journalism or legal reporting, to describe tabloid headlines, gossip, or scandalous behavior. It carries a negative moral judgment, suggesting that the content is being shared more for cheap thrills than for any legitimate purpose.

"salacious" in conversation

Discussing tabloid news

Did you see that headline about the senator?

Did you see that headline about the senator?

Yes, it’s incredibly salacious and likely completely made up.

Yes, it’s incredibly salacious and likely completely made up.

Used here to criticize the sensationalist nature of a news story.

Critiquing a movie

I didn't enjoy the film; it felt too salacious for me.

I didn't enjoy the film; it felt too salacious for me.

I agree, the director relied too much on cheap thrills.

I agree, the director relied too much on cheap thrills.

Describes content that emphasizes sexual elements in a distasteful way.

"salacious" in a sentence

  1. The magazine was known for its salacious gossip columns.

    The magazine was known for its salacious gossip columns.

  2. He avoided reading the salacious details of the trial in the morning paper.

    He avoided reading the salacious details of the trial in the morning paper.

  3. The author was criticized for including salacious anecdotes that served no purpose to the narrative.

    The author was criticized for including salacious anecdotes that served no purpose to the narrative.

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