slur

9 synonyms for slur, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — An offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

spot

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

dim blur smear

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

blot smudge daub smirch aspersion

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

An offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

“The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field.”

spot dim blur smear blot smudge daub smirch aspersion

2. verb

To pronounce words unclearly by running them together.

“She was so tired she began to slur her words.”

blur dim

How to use slur

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

racial slur ethnic slur slur his speech

As an insult, "slur" (especially "racial slur" or "ethnic slur") refers to genuinely offensive language and should be used carefully, typically only when discussing the topic rather than repeating the term itself.

Etymology

From an old word for thin, fluid mud — the idea of things running together messily gave rise to both "slurred speech" and "slur" as an insult that stains someone's reputation.

Full origin of slur →

Frequently asked questions

What does “slur” mean?

The word “slur” means an offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity. In plain terms, either an offensive insult aimed at a group, or speech that runs together unclearly.

How do you pronounce “slur”?

“Slur” is pronounced slur (/slɜɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “slur” in a sentence?

Here is “slur” used in a sentence: “The player was suspended after using a racial slur on the field.”

What part of speech is “slur”?

Depending on how it is used, “slur” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “slur” have?

“Slur” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an offensive or insulting remark, especially one targeting a person's group identity.

Related words

slurry

People also searched

spot dim blur smear smirch aspersion smudge blot daub

Nearby words

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