as in dirty
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
the jury was disgusted by the scummy behavior of the defendant in the courtroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 scummy
The wild sci-fi elements, such as scummy aliens and wacky monsters, will likely remind audiences of a Marvel effort, namely Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
Does that kind of discourse-friendly success override the fact that Euphoria is too young, too scummy, and too dumb to fit into the usual Emmy pattern?
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
2 May 2026
Clean Glass Shower Doors Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and mix in a few drops of lemon juice to create a solution that will go to work on scummy glass shower doors and walls.
—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
26 June 2026
Does that kind of discourse-friendly success override the fact that Euphoria is too young, too scummy, and too dumb to fit into the usual Emmy pattern?
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
2 May 2026
Clean Glass Shower Doors Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and mix in a few drops of lemon juice to create a solution that will go to work on scummy glass shower doors and walls.
—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scummy
Adjective
-
Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
-
Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a man in a karate gi, disposable gloves, and dirty white sneakers was hauling a cart by means of a homemade yoke strapped across his shoulders.
Adjective
-
On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
-
In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
Adjective
-
The revolution won’t come cheap.
-
Across six online experiments, the researchers showed participants a cheaper lower-quality item such as a sweater alongside a pricier higher-quality version.
Adjective
-
Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
-
Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
Adjective
-
We’re used to nasty, hateful, and sometimes violent things being said about us and even about our family.
-
Tarik Skubal was nasty against the Yankees.
Adjective
-
French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
-
How to make the moment scary but watchable, disgusting but entrancing?
Adjective
-
The Giants, who went on to lose yesterday, are now 31-46, and the vibes are wretched.
-
Jones also further expounds on the vampire’s wretched lineage and mythology through flashbacks.
Adjective
-
Conservatives are often accused of being divisive, hateful and exclusionary.
-
On Sunday, June 14, UFC fighter Josh Hokit took the opportunity after his win on the White House lawn to repeat a hateful lie about the former first lady.
Cite this Entry
“Scummy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scummy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
