down and dirty

adjective

Definition of down and dirtynext
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation hoisting aloft the down and dirty sign that we had just made, we joined the protest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 down and dirty The Wilson, North Carolina native can get as down and dirty as your regular country boy and can also fit in among the greats. — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down and dirty
  1. impromptu
  2. improvisational
  3. improvised
  4. ad hoc
Adjective
  • There, Simone joined Little Richard for an impromptu performance.
    — Jason Miller, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Some do impromptu handstands against the wall, their feet tapping to the music; others migrate to adjacent gym equipment, pulsing on workout rings, swinging on knotted climbing ropes or swiveling their hips on a Bosu balance ball.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of impromptu
Adjective
  • The 28-year-old QB has succeeded when supported by consistent line play, yet also boasts improvisational skills that set him apart from many NFL starters.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Tsepetis’s improvisational approach to hospitality creates a home-away-from-home warmth that keeps many of his guests returning, year after year.
    — Noo Saro-Wiwa, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of improvisational
Adjective
  • The piece contends that the threat warrants advance legal planning rather than reliance on improvised responses after a disruption occurs.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Comedian TaTa Sherise headlines 50 Worst Dates, an improvised comedy series, while Broadway veterans Kristine Covillo and Ben Davis star in ReelArc’s psychological thriller Zero Point.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of improvised
Adjective
  • However, many companies still maintain an ad hoc approach to this issue.
    — Alejandro Oses, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The current ad hoc system relies too heavily on the United States to mobilize people and resources to respond to each new emergency.
    — STEPHANIE PSAKI, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of ad hoc

Browse Nearby Words

down
down and dirty
down-and-out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Down and dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down%20and%20dirty. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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