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
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Recent Examples of dirty word
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
Comedy was a dirty word for us in the ‘90s.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
Comedy was a dirty word for us in the ‘90s.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
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Perfection is a blessing and a curse for Virgo parents.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
15 July 2025
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Also, the fact that Ken gets cursed by a crazy old ghost actually helps Momo in her alien abduction predicament, with Momo’s newfound spiritual abilities helping to curb Ken’s curse.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Bonus: For every 100ml bottle sold, Omorovicza donates 5% to Water.org, supporting global access to safe water. Jones Road Miracle Balm, $40 Women over 50 swear by this award-winning, Bobbi Brown-founded brand for its nourishing and hydrating qualities.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The word was forbidden in their household and treated like a swear.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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English is widely spoken across Puerto Rico, but travelers should keep in mind that Spanish is the island's universal language.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
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The money, which was used to found a range of initiatives including teacher training and English language programs, was suspended by the Trump administration on June 30 pending a review by the federal Office of Management and Budget.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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