Definition of filthynext
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filthy

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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
But, the freedom loving sane people of this great country came to Karoline's defense to show support, destroy the filthy LIBS and celebrate the greatest press secretary this country has ever employed. Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 Fans fought in the streets, heaved bottles, smashed windows and shouted filthy insults in the melee, which left nearly 50 people injured. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 15 June 2026 His jab-step game was filthy out of triple-threat situations, and his mid-post game was already incredibly developed for a teenager. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 June 2026 So, Tom Steyer, welcome to the hall of infamy of filthy-rich flops. Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • These stories were reprinted in Scottish and English botanical texts, and Henrietta would have known about the obscene ideas connected with the mushroom.
    Leah Hudson, Popular Science, 9 July 2026
  • Jackson then allegedly drove over into another lane and swerved at the victim, while using an obscene hand gesture.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Spain versus Argentina in the final 24 hours later was never going to be a purists’ classic, but what unfolded was undoubtedly the dirtiest final since 2010, when the Spanish also faced aggressive, uncompromising opponents — the Netherlands.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Some Roomba models from as far back as 2004 can still be found in some homes, working away on dirty floors.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Adverb
  • French thrives in Quebec, supported by some extremely assertive language legislation, but the threats of secession in the province are a persistent nuisance.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • And considering Spider-Man's signature suit, the crimson liner felt less like an unexpected beauty choice and more like an extremely intentional reference.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lonnie is loud, obnoxious, and vulgar in ways that rankle traditional golfers.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • Suki, a vocal Black woman with an at times vulgar persona, whereas Althoff, a white woman, gained a reputation as an awkward, seemingly timid interviewer on her The Really Good Podcast.
    Meagan Jordan, VIBE.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sedum nussbaumerianum The Coppertone Stonecrop gets its name from the dusty copper color its leaves turn when exposed to sunlight.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
  • The dry, dusty air can also help limit some storm development by creating a more stable atmosphere.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • And about the rip currents Currents are dangerous and a very real problem on the Gulf Coast, including around the barrier islands where Wells was partying.
    Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
  • What that means is all that remains to be filled in is a section in the very middle, in Coral Gables along the University of Miami.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, the Supreme Court upheld a different Texas law requiring that pornographic websites verify users are at least 18 to allow access.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Last year, the court upheld a Texas law that requires pornographic websites to verify users' ages.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Everything from the casting (male dancers, internet faves, and very few actual models) to the scenery (a 191-year-old venue with plenty of stained glass) to the ambiance (candlelit, with lots of bows and florals) embodied the brand's quintessential mix of romance, community, and nostalgia.
    Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 26 June 2026
  • Spread the mixture on the stained area; leave it for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a microfiber cloth.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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