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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dirty word
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
Some fear the trend away from DEI will accelerate now that Trump has turned it into a dirty word.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Some fear the trend away from DEI will accelerate now that Trump has turned it into a dirty word.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
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Because perhaps heartbreak is not only a curse, but also a language.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
20 June 2025
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His thought that autism is a curse that destroys families IS the tragedy.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 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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The removal of the language in the final Senate bill is a welcome relief, confirming that entity type should not dictate whether state and local taxes are deductible.—
Lynn Mucenski Keck,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Prevost, who was co-valedictorian and yearbook editor among other accolades, had a reputation for being a good person to turn to for help with homework, especially math or languages.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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