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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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
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025
Bathroom Exhaust Fans Considering dirty exhaust fans can be a big fire risk and lead to moisture build-up in your bathroom, cleaning them regularly is very important.
—Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 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
In other words, their willingness to do football’s dirty work is paying off for these three, among other in-state guys working their way onto the coaches’ radar.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025
Bathroom Exhaust Fans Considering dirty exhaust fans can be a big fire risk and lead to moisture build-up in your bathroom, cleaning them regularly is very important.
—Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 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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One of the canines was wrapped in a spring protruding from a broken, threadbare couch, and yelping for help when cops arrived at the filthy apartment in the Belmont section of the Bronx on Aug. 4, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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An image of the inside of the bunker, released by the sheriff’s office, showed a filthy mattress in a corner, a folding chair and a fan.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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Part of that obscene number is the Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint.—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Brooklyn prosecutors charged him with misdemeanor assault, as well as menacing, reckless endangerment, possession of obscene material, interference with a professional sporting event, weapons possession and other charges, officials said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Nationals put up a four-spot against Verlander, the backbreaker being CJ Abrams’ towering two-run shot off the right-field foul pole.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
10 Aug. 2025
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Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For most people who contract the virus, symptoms resemble those of a nasty cold and include a runny nose, aches, sore throat, congestion and maybe a fever.—
Beth Warren,
The Tennessean,
23 Aug. 2025
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The 37-year-old plays Emilia Harcourt, an agent from the lack ops squad, A.R.G.U.S., who immediately shows off her skills in the season 2 premiere episode beating up men three times her size in a nasty bar brawl.—
Colleen Kratofil,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Below are the top options, ranked from cheapest to most expensive starting prices: T-Mobile Home Internet: Starts at $50 per month for speeds up to 415 Mbps, with simple pricing and no extra equipment costs.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
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Solar and wind are not only cheaper—they’re where developers, private equity and global capital appear to be placing their bets.—
Frank Holmes,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Block after block across metropolitan Milwaukee, piles of soaked carpets, waterlogged appliances and furniture stained beyond recognition now slump in front yards and along sidewalks.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The color is also anti-fade, and won’t stain, shrink, or wrinkle.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Further, steer clear of dusty bottles stored on hot shelves, as heat and light are wine’s worst enemies.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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The Creed of Violence is hitting the dusty trail once again, with a new feature adaptation of the 2009 Boston Teran novel in the works.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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