Definition of nastynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nasty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty, filthy, foul, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.

it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor

When is dirty a more appropriate choice than nasty?

The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.

a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work

When could filthy be used to replace nasty?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language

When would foul be a good substitute for nasty?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.

a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed

When might squalid be a better fit than nasty?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty are roughly equivalent. However, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.

squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nasty Expect, of course, some Demogorgons and other nasty creatures. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 The race between Espaillat and Avila Chevalier has been nastier, exposing the risks of the mayor’s strategy. David Weigel, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 Destructive winds in Oklahoma Farther west, a nasty line of thunderstorms from the same system raked through western and central Oklahoma after midnight CT Monday morning. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 If your stain is tougher (like candle wax, a stain that's set, or a nasty spill), take care to treat it individually using methods specific to the stain. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nasty
Adjective
  • Most notably, though, is its easy-to-clean material, which one flight attendant appreciates when up against dirty baggage claims and surprise spills.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • Crafted with Grey Goose vodka and Carpano Dry Vermouth, the cocktail is prepared to each guest’s preference—whether dry, dirty, extra dirty, shaken or stirred—from the restaurant’s signature martini cart.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • With one notable exception, everyone over there has nothing but ugly things to say about their main villa counterparts.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Women superheroes have always activated an ugly segment of the internet.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • Remember, stretching should never be painful.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • After shares rallied to a peak of $225 on June 16, a stunning 50 percent rise over their opening price, Musk officially became the world’s very-first trillionaire — an obscene hyper-capitalist milestone highlighting the tech oligarchy’s iron grip on society.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • He was charged with arson, malicious destruction by means of a fire and timber set aflame.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • Johnson said the bill was meant to curtail malicious records requests, which do happen, where a citizen goes after copious amounts of records just to be a jerk and cost the government time and money.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Guadagnino from a screenplay by Saturday Night Live alum Simon Rich, Artificial explores Sam Altman’s OpenAI and the company’s turbulent period in 2023 when he was fired and rehired in a matter of days.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 June 2026
  • The trauma of a turbulent household had aged her beyond her years.
    Latif Love June 26, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • And a great bench of freelancers is making this all-American game feel dramatic, approachable, and exciting—even to filthy casuals.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 June 2026
  • But, the freedom loving sane people of this great country came to Karoline's defense to show support, destroy the filthy LIBS and celebrate the greatest press secretary this country has ever employed.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • An east wind sets up a particularly unpleasant scenario, said Abrams.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • Mineral buildup inside the ice-making system or residue in the ice bin can also contribute to unpleasant flavors, Angelesco says.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nasty. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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