1
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
a foul taste that made us gag
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
the foul weather brought out the windbreakers and rain slickers as everyone braced for a day of rough sailing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unfair
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport
an aggressive hockey player who is known for his foul play and readiness for a fight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
that movie features nonstop foul language
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in stinking
having an unpleasant smell
the foul fumes from the paper mill
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in filthy
not clean
I wouldn't play in the foul rainwater that's collected in the feeding trough
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to dirty
to make dirty
the mechanic fouled the bath towels with axle grease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pollute
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable
industrial pollution fouling the water supply
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
the minister was irreparably fouled by baseless rumors and allegations
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4
as in to rot
to go through decomposition
unless you want to smell the organic refuse as it fouls, locate the compost heap away from the house
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foul
Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Additionally, prevent any foul odors or mildew from forming by leaving the dishwasher door slightly open to allow for good ventilation.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
France took a ball, swung through a fastball, took another ball and then fouled off two pitches before watching a ball in the dirt.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul
Adjective
Every foul won is celebrated like a goal.
—Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Additionally, prevent any foul odors or mildew from forming by leaving the dishwasher door slightly open to allow for good ventilation.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2026
Verb
Mitchell scored, was fouled by Smart and made the free throw for a three-point play and a 95-92 Thunder lead.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
France took a ball, swung through a fastball, took another ball and then fouled off two pitches before watching a ball in the dirt.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for foul
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul
Adjective
-
How on Earth could this Wild team, after dominating the first period and taking a 3-0 lead with a chance to keep its season alive and force a Game 6, collapse in such an absolutely disgusting fashion?—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
-
Just days ago, the CDC announced that over 100 passengers and more than a dozen crew members on a different ship, the Caribbean Princess, have been infected by norovirus—a less fatal but more disgusting illness.—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Inside, another naked woman on a Jet Ski does circles in a turbulent body of water.—
Sebastian Smee,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
-
The shift has direct market implications, Dalio said, as investors must navigate a turbulent period where currency values face risk and uncertainty demands liquidity and diversification including gold.—
David Westin,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bonta pushes back against FIFA ticketing practices In his Wednesday letter to the federation, Bonta emphasized California’s consumer protection laws against unfair competition and false advertising.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
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But Oklahoma City has raised the standard to an almost unfair level.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
If this obscene gerrymander survives, the next one will purge what little remains of Democratic representation in the Legislature, where the GOP holds massive supermajorities far beyond its share of the electorate.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
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He was also given a third charge involving obscene material and minors, according to jail records.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Not the good, high-altitude ozone that shields us from dangerous UV light, but bad ozone, hovering right above ground level — stinking, brownish, grayish photochemical smog.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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Their solution to a stinking run was, comically, to rely on less than 23 per cent of possession and pick Madrid off with a classy volley from Martin Satriano, below.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Inside, filthy soldiers press up against the wood.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
12 May 2026
-
Baker said while Fike's immediate surroundings were filthy, a brand-new hospital bed, urinal and wheelchair were available at the home.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
25 Feb. 2026
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With the help of your Instant Pot, spaghetti and meatballs come together in under an hour without dirtying multiple dishes.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
See, scientists know human drugs pollute aquatic environments – past studies have shown even anti-anxiety drugs can change how fish act.—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
12 May 2026
-
Toilet paper, a product that is used for a few seconds before being disposed of forever, is typically made with trees, energy-intensive manufacturing processes and chemicals that can pollute the environment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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