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
Relevance
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
Laura Washington: Donald Trump achieves a notorious distinction in his first 100 days
DEI is under attack by Trump, who sees diversity as a dirty word, even a crime.
—
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
-
Now, the princess must gather enough strength from herself and her triplet brothers to undo a curse.—
Sydni Ellis,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
As rocks and curses flew from the street, bullets spat from the middle window on the south side of the house.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Taylor and Hinkle swear by bonnets, while Royal and others recommend tying longer styles into a loose bun or braid before wrapping.—
Larry Stansbury,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Patullo tore off his headset with a rare and celebratory swear.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The language was tacked on in a last-minute amendment just before the legislature adjourned for the 2024 session.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Various exemptions for the requirement include having certain disabilities, having less than three years of formal English language learner instruction or receiving intensive support.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share