1
as in filthy
not clean
after working in the factory all day, his clothes are very dirty
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
some radio stations refused to play the song because of the dirty lyrics
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3
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
they were unknowingly sailing into dirty weather
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4
as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport
the school is known for the dirty football it plays
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5
as in nasty
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
accused the other campaign of playing dirty tricks
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6
as in cheap
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
laying off longtime employees was a dirty way for the company to reduce labor costs and save money
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7
as in corruptible
open to improper influence and especially bribery
a movie about a dirty cop paid to protect a mafioso
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as in to stain
to make dirty
she dirtied her new sneakers when she splashed in the puddle
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as in illegally
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dirty
Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 16 Sep. 2024
The campaign gained intensity when photos circulated on the Internet of Ya Ya looking dirty and gaunt (by panda standards) with patchy fur.
—Ashraf Khalil and Didi Tang, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2023
Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2025
Her dirty blond tresses were parted on the right side of her head and styled in loose curls around her face.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 July 2025
Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 May 2025
He’s come through with timely hits, dirtied his uniform on the bases and made an impact with his arm in the outfield.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dirty
Adjective
Sonic Drive-In began offering the option to make its drinks dirty by adding coconut cream and lime for an additional charge.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 16 Sep. 2024
The campaign gained intensity when photos circulated on the Internet of Ya Ya looking dirty and gaunt (by panda standards) with patchy fur.
—Ashraf Khalil and Didi Tang, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2023
Verb
While the Gemini got dirty and needed to be hosed off, there were no gloves or chain lube involved.
—Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2025
Her dirty blond tresses were parted on the right side of her head and styled in loose curls around her face.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 July 2025
Adverb
Crème Brûlée Steve Granitz Crème brûlée is like butter blonde, but dirtied up a bit for a browned, warm tint.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 May 2025
He’s come through with timely hits, dirtied his uniform on the bases and made an impact with his arm in the outfield.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dirty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty
Adjective
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Indeed, the trio looked filthy, and one even had a red, watery eye.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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Sharp has long been one of New York’s filthiest comedians.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The law requires pornographic websites to verify users’ ages – for example by making users scan and upload their driver’s license – before granting access to content that is deemed obscene for minors but not adults.—
Meg Leta Jones,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
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Lawsuit alleges 'obscene' government overreach Longo's lawsuit, filed in Chemung County, New York, names the county, the city of Elmira and several DEC officers as defendants.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Flying across the country alone with my infant was far less turbulent with the right preparation.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
1 Aug. 2025
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For Michelle, 28, knowing her long-term relationship was over—one that had started with a DM, spanned four years, and was turbulent in the way that made letting go feel impossible—came down to seeing him with someone else…in a video watched by over a million people.—
Morgan Sullivan,
Vogue,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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The foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty 2, resulting in an automatic ejection for Banks.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
21 July 2025
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The other is a red panda named Bad Rudi with a penchant for foul language.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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The 5-foot-8, 185-pound Robinson was on the receiving end of a nasty collision with outside linebacker Brian Burns on Friday.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
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After dropping Monday’s opener to the Twins – following a nasty delay between the top and bottom of the ninth – the Red Sox got right back on the horse.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Xfinity offers some of the cheapest plans available in Nashville, but prices may go up once the promotional period ends.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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The 996 also felt cheap inside, borrowing interior trim from the Boxster—hardly fitting for a car with a base MSRP of $65,000 at the time.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Check to make sure the oils don’t have any dyes or colors that could stain your carpet.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
3 Aug. 2025
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But if blood stains the pages of history, there are those willing and ready to wash it clean.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Silvery fabric curtained the frame around him, floating loosely in the cold, dusty air.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
28 July 2025
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On the palate, the wine is velvety and streamlined with notes of black cherry, dusty chocolate mocha and graphite, with a long elegant finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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