filthy 1 of 2

Definition of filthynext
1
2

filthy

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective filthy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of filthy are dirty, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," filthy carries a strong suggestion of offensiveness and typically of gradually accumulated dirt that begrimes and besmears. Figuratively, it can also describe disgusting obscenity.

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy
filthy street language

When might dirty be a better fit than filthy?

In some situations, the words dirty and filthy are roughly equivalent. However, dirty emphasizes the presence of dirt more than an emotional reaction to it or, figuratively, stresses meanness or despicableness.

a dirty littered street
don't ask me to do your dirty work

When would foul be a good substitute for filthy?

The words foul and filthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foul implies extreme offensiveness and an accumulation of what is rotten or stinking; it can also describe, for example, loathsome behavior.

a foul-smelling open sewer
a foul story of lust and greed

How is nasty related to other words for filthy?

Nasty applies to what is actually foul or is repugnant to one expecting freshness, cleanliness, or sweetness; in practice, however, nasty is often weakened to the point of being no more than a synonym of unpleasant or disagreeable. When used figuratively, nasty implies a peculiarly offensive unpleasantness.

it's a nasty job to clean up after a sick cat
had a nasty fall
his answer gave her a nasty shock
a stand-up comedian known for nasty humor

In what contexts can squalid take the place of filthy?

The synonyms squalid and filthy are sometimes interchangeable, but squalid adds to the idea of dirtiness and filth that of slovenly neglect. Distinctively, its figurative use implies sordidness as well as baseness and dirtiness.

squalid slums
engaged in a series of squalid affairs

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 filthy
Adjective
Reach-in coolers that didn’t keep food safe from bacteria growth and utensils stored in filthy spots shut down a Miami restaurant after inspection last week. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 Stanley dealers were not in cutthroat competition for filthy lucre. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 But perhaps most importantly, the plates ended up being a great way to fast-track the cleanup minus the hell of a putrid sink and a stack of filthy dishes in the blinding morning light. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026 Grab a sponge and a bucket, some vinegar, and dish soap, and scrub away that filthy grime. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • If this obscene gerrymander survives, the next one will purge what little remains of Democratic representation in the Legislature, where the GOP holds massive supermajorities far beyond its share of the electorate.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
  • He was also given a third charge involving obscene material and minors, according to jail records.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Microwaves seem to get dirty out of nowhere.
    Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
  • But the dirty secret is most of them are awful.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Adverb
  • But even Black athletes whose athleticism gifted them an extremely exclusive express lane in life can tell you stories about growing up a minority in America, or tales their parents or grandparents have told.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • The theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) suggests that when light at extremely high intensities interacts with the vacuum, it can be converted into matter.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Glamorous on the verge of vulgar, elegant yet unrestrained, and unmistakably luxurious.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
  • Aimed mainly toward men between 18 and 49 years old, hot talk mixed vulgar jokes with talk about pop culture and politics and often took political positions contrary to feminism and liberalism.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Soon, survey crews showed up, bulldozers were spotted along dusty roads, and the Army Corps of Engineers arranged private meetings.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • In the past, artificial greenery may have looked, well, fake—but today’s faux plants are a far cry from their dusty counterparts.
    Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Adverb
  • But Justin is very different from book to screen.
    Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026
  • In isolation, Liverpool’s summer 2025 business was very good, but there are so many mitigating factors to consider.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Professor Glen-Peter Ahlers, 71, was arrested in February after at least hundreds of pornographic photos and videos of children were found on his hard drive.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • The illicit chatbots allegedly produced pornographic images.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some patrons arrive in suits, others in stained work shirts.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • Spray the stained area with the solution and scrub with a microfiber cloth.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on filthy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster