Quick answer
Noxious means harmful, poisonous, or extremely unpleasant. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Noxious
Noxious means harmful, poisonous, or extremely unpleasant. It belongs to grotesque, gory, and macabre words and works best in dark description, gothic writing, and vivid unpleasant imagery. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
macabregrotesquedark
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, noxious refers to harmful, poisonous, or extremely unpleasant. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Noxious feels absurd because the shape of it looks and sounds a little awkward in exactly the right way, which helps it stick in the ear.
Origin and history
Noxious is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Noxious is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as noxious.
- In the novel, one noxious is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used noxious in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain noxious before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating noxious because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use noxious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in dark description, gothic writing, and vivid unpleasant imagery.
Similar words
bellyflop, booger, bumwad, cadaverous, canker
Opposite or contrasting words
cleanliness, calm imagery, gentleness
Common questions
- What does noxious mean? harmful, poisonous, or extremely unpleasant.
- How do you pronounce noxious? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is noxious still used today? Noxious is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use noxious? Use noxious when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in dark description, gothic writing, and vivid unpleasant imagery.
- What words are similar to noxious? Similar words include bellyflop, booger, bumwad, and cadaverous.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.