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
-
Some monks who were once forced off the island put a curse on it and everyone who ever took anything away from it.—
Sara Stridsberg
September 15,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
-
When her curse begins to affect her physically, Amada travels to the Abyss to seek a cure from the Grand Warlock.—
Mia Sosa,
PEOPLE,
15 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 usual way to craft programming code entails the handwriting of source code, often using a conventional programming language such as Python, C++, and other popular coding languages.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Having sat with Jones in their home studio, Ronson understood the language of digital sound meters, tape machines and knobs and faders, as well as the importance of reading the room.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share