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dirty word

noun

Definition of dirty wordnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression I'm afraid I won't be much help on the trip—the only Spanish I know is a handful of dirty words

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 word Nuclear was once a dirty word, but its rehabilitation has proceeded much faster than expected. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2026 Today, unfortunately, civics has become a dirty word. — Ken Burns, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 Prohibition has been a dirty word in American public policy since the Twenty-First Amendment passed. — Charles Fain Lehman, The Atlantic, 4 May 2026 In an era when disco was still a dirty word, the foursome fully embraced dance music. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
Noun
  • The sequel takes place 25 years after the original 1998 cult classic movie, as the sisters try to break their family curse along with Sally’s daughters Kylie (Joey King) and Antonio (Maisie Williams).
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Sally and Gillian come from a long line of witches and have lived in a resplendent Massachusetts home with their aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest) ever since a curse struck down their father and led to their mother’s suicide.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • The pinky swear proved binding, as Nelson wrote the screenplay within six weeks.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Why fill with swears a show that might otherwise have been appointment viewing for the whole family?
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • Specialty-specific patterns of language, documentation structure and billing nuance reduce the volume of the most consequential omissions.
    — Pat Williams, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The woman who had compiled the Handy Hints book helpfully explained these technical details to Flynn, whispering in his ear like someone translating a foreign language.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of language

Browse Nearby Words

dirty tricks
dirty word
dirty words
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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