dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
Too many in the media see conservatism as a dirty word.
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Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
It’s viewed by Hollywood artists as a dirty word.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Plastic is a dirty word here, and the resort has virtually banned it throughout.
—Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Regime change isn’t a dirty word when the regime is among the most vicious in the world.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
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Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
It’s viewed by Hollywood artists as a dirty word.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Plastic is a dirty word here, and the resort has virtually banned it throughout.
—Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Regime change isn’t a dirty word when the regime is among the most vicious in the world.
—Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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