dirtiness 1 of 4

noun

Definition of dirtinessnext
1
as in dustiness
the state or quality of being dirty the health inspector took the manager to task over the general dirtiness of the restaurant

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2
as in grossness
the quality or state of being obscene the incontestable dirtiness of the film demands an adult rating

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dirty

2 of 4

adjective

ˈdər-tē How to pronounce dirty (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions they were unknowingly sailing into dirty weather

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dirty

3 of 4

verb

as in to stain
to make dirty she dirtied her new sneakers when she splashed in the puddle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dirty

4 of 4

adverb

as in illegally

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dirty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dirty are filthy, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.

a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work

When is it sensible to use filthy instead of dirty?

The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language

When could foul be used to replace dirty?

The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; however, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.

a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed

How does the word nasty relate to other synonyms for dirty?

Nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.

it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor

Where would squalid be a reasonable alternative to dirty?

While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.

squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs

How does the adjective dirty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dirty are filthy, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.

a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work

When is it sensible to use filthy instead of dirty?

The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language

When could foul be used to replace dirty?

The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; however, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.

a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed

How does the word nasty relate to other synonyms for dirty?

Nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.

it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor

Where would squalid be a reasonable alternative to dirty?

While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.

squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs

How does the adjective dirty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dirty are filthy, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.

a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work

When is it sensible to use filthy instead of dirty?

The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language

When could foul be used to replace dirty?

The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; however, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.

a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed

How does the word nasty relate to other synonyms for dirty?

Nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.

it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor

Where would squalid be a reasonable alternative to dirty?

While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.

squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs

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 dirtiness
Noun
When assessing a hat's dirtiness, look for visible stains or sweat marks and treat only those areas with a soft, damp cloth and detergent rather than washing the entire hat. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026 However, its effectiveness in thoroughly cleaning depends on the degree of dirtiness. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Appearing in a scene with Eiza González, Pike's dirty blond hair reached past her collarbone. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026 On the flipside, the study found America’s dirtiest lake was Florida's Lake Okeechobee. —Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Keep them in reserve as a sleep sock to ward off icy toes and prevent sweat and skin oils from dirtying your down sleeping bag. —Adam Roy, Outside, 28 Dec. 2025 Garments can be dirtied again by the elements if air-dried outside. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirtiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirtiness
  1. grossness
  2. filthy
  3. obscene
  4. turbulent
  5. foul
  6. nasty
  7. cheap
  8. corruptible
Noun
  • If an exclamation point only signified gore and grossness, this gothic rock opera would more than qualify.
    — Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of grossness
Adjective
  • Her jeans are filthy; her blonde hair hangs in loose, greasy strings; bruises speckle her thin arms, and there’s a patch of blood above her right eye.
    — Outside, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Allegations of betting on suicide Like other detainees, Ramsingh said that between cleanings, the rooms, restrooms and showers were often filthy and infested with insects.
    — Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Definition of filthy
Adjective
  • And for a while, Chase was like spending kind of obscene amounts of money like recycling the metal and the thing.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • An investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department also led to separate charges citing Mays for possession of more than 600 images of youth or child pornography and distribution of obscene matter involving someone younger than 18.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of obscene
Adjective
  • The former ambassador leaves the post after a turbulent, combative year at the arts institution.
    — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Multiple sources have indicated the Aztecs won’t accept either and instead get started on what figures to be a turbulent offseason.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • Mascherano was then ejected in stoppage time after arguing a foul call against one of his players, earning a yellow card, then a second for continuing to protest.
    — Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Senior guard Berkely Schneider made 6 of 8 foul shots, including four in the final minute, to finish with 10 points.
    — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of foul
Adjective
  • But few teams bring a nastier one-two wallop than the Lakers, who kept the forward busy flitting back and forth between Dončić and LeBron James.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The other, maybe more difficult half, is making sure the stuff is nasty enough.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • Unlike rivals giving subscribers a choice of ad-free plans or cheaper tiers with ads, Amazon defaulted to ads for all subscribers to Prime, allowing an opt-out for an extra premium.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Rivian has been teasing the R2 for a while now, dangling the promise of a smaller, cheaper, more attainable version of its beloved R1S in front of adventure-hungry buyers who couldn’t quite stretch to the $77,000-plus sticker of its halo SUV.
    — Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • From fragmented records to corruptible datasets and the general noise across social media, agentic systems are facing a trust and truth crisis at the most fundamental level.
    — Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Iran prefers weak allies over strong ones, and corrupt and corruptible governments over ones that respond to their citizens’ needs.
    — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Definition of corruptible

Phrases Containing dirtiness

Browse Nearby Words

dirtily
dirtiness
dirt-poor
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Cite this Entry

“Dirtiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirtiness. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dirtiness

Nglish: Translation of dirtiness for Spanish Speakers

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