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dirty

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adjective

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dirty

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verb

dirty

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adverb

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

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 dirty
Noun
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
Score: 44 - Desi District failed its inspection and was cited for serious food safety violations, including improper hot and cold holding temperatures and dirty food-contact surfaces such as can openers, microwaves, and the interior of the ice machine. Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025 The bar menu will offer a variety of classic cocktails, including an old fashioned, a margarita, a paper plane, a last word, a house clean martini, a dirty martini, and the beloved Trouble Bar recipe espresso martini. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Adverb
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 No need to dirty another pot, wait for water to boil, or do more dishes. Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty
Adjective
  • These words are so filthy, even 40 years later, that Tribune editors will only allow an edited version to be included here.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The girl is so filthy that just one look at her gets across the idea that this lifestyle is repellent.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the Astors, who had amassed a nearly obscene amount of real estate in New York City, became the country’s first multimillionaires by smuggling opium.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
  • The use of obscene or profane language, personal attack, libel, slander, defamation, physical violence or the threat thereof, as determined by the presiding officer, shall constitute a disturbing a lawful meeting.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the tight end position, a turbulent year around him in 2024 didn’t allow for any consistency for Jake Ferguson, especially when factoring in his injuries.
    Nick Harris July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2025
  • Chapek’s short and turbulent reign ended in 2022 when Iger returned as CEO.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cats often express their dismay at being excluded from your travel plans by peeing in your luggage, but of course, cat urine is not the only thing that can cause a foul odor in your suitcase.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
  • Police responded to a 911 call about a foul odor, and found Burgos’ apartment door unlocked in the building that offers affordable units for senior citizens.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Her somewhat implausible problem is that her bad feelings—her irritation, her boredom—never register as such because of her beauty, her wealth, and her pedigree; so great is her beauty that even her nastiest moods feel like a sunny glow to others.
    Claire Jarvis, New Yorker, 8 July 2025
  • But use kind humor, not nasty or deprecating humor.
    Davia Temin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • With a price tag of $99.99, the half-size bottles weren’t exactly cheap by the ounce—but that didn’t prevent stocks from selling out fast, spurred by excellent word of mouth.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Shop the Asus Vivobook Go 15.6-Inch FHD Slim Laptop, which is marked down to its cheapest price of the year.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Police found items stained by blood in garbage bags in the living room closet.
    Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
  • The most basic method for cleaning the toilet is to use a stiff-bristle toilet brush to physically scrub away any mineral buildup, biofilm, or staining.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • An earnest, has-a-costume-for-everything kind of guy, Daub is allergic to the greige and the dinge.
    Sandra Upson, Wired, 18 Jan. 2021
  • Dinges said the two crewmembers whose sleep remained steady -- even in the absence of conventional daylight -- were those who kept to a strict schedule and found other ways to control their biological clocks.
    Michael Nedelman, CNN, 1 June 2017

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Cite this Entry

“Dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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