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Definition of dirtynext
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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
Adjective
Reliance on dirtier, conventional forms of power generation will increase along with foreign energy imports, such as electricity delivered from Canada to New York, leading to higher and more volatile electricity prices. Ben Link, The Conversation, 8 May 2026 Cloudy glass shower doors can make an otherwise spotless bathroom seem dirty. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 May 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 dirty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty
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
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
  • He was also given a third charge involving obscene material and minors, according to jail records.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 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
  • The ball ricocheted off Holmes’ leg into foul territory on the first-base side.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • As for next steps in his game, Graves is trying to become a more reliable floor-spacer and perimeter defender; a monstrously high foul rate was his most notable negative during the season.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drain Mats Kitchen sinks may be dirty, but your drain mat is downright nasty.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
  • But facing the Jaguars after the Chiefs and before the Rams is nasty business.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The reason all of this is happening, probably more than any other, is that clipping is cheap.
    Lane Brown, Vulture, 15 May 2026
  • Surprisingly the most expensive hairpiece so far has been Attenborough’s, which Fortune reveals was a hybrid of a cheap £20 ($26) wig at the back combined with tens of man-hours knotting individual strands of hair onto a lace front to create the centenarian’s familiar pate.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Beef’s whole thing is finding the weak, corruptible center of all its characters, and Isaac jumps into that project with enthusiasm.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Leave enough room to mow around the tree, cut it back each season, and make any repairs to your fence, such as staining or board replacement.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • In some stretches, the water is stained with chemical residue.
    Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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