filthy 1 of 2

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

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
Kilitch Healthcare had serious quality lapses, in which the facility was filthy, employees were barefoot on the manufacturing floor and the company fraudulently passed products that failed sterility tests. C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026 Common areas are often filthy, and increasingly populated by drug users. ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026 Prosecutors also explained the extent of how filthy the home was. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 The Space Marines are attempting to reclaim Kronus from the filthy xenos on the planet, leading a heroic charge into a massive Ork army as the Necrons rise again. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • The incident was captured on the broadcast, and after the game, Duran explained that his obscene gesture was in response to a fan crossing the line.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The most common crime investigated by the unit was the distribution of obscene material depicting minors, followed by elder abuse and rape.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Prior to that time, a conservative who dared toss the dirty indictment at his or her opponent would face disapproval from all directions, and, of course, condemnation from the legacy media.
    Bob Ehrlich, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Knicks fans have grown accustomed to Hart doing the dirty work throughout the past four postseasons, but this is the first time first-year Knicks head coach Mike Brown has gotten to deploy the do-it-all guard’s versatility in the playoffs.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Only 11% of respondents were extremely comfortable using AI, whereas 25% were not comfortable at all using the technology.
    Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
  • These mid-rise jeans are extremely soft, crafted from 98 percent cotton.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The word was considered so vulgar that it was left out of early dictionaries and was rarely printed, though Adams says people were certainly using it.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
  • One day, Dahlstrom made a vulgar joke in a lunchroom referencing oral sex and pubic hair, according to the employee.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Robert Pattinson jumped on the dusty-pink trend, strapping on a Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronograph Moon with a copper-colored dial for the New York premiere of The Drama.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Across the river in Mexico, men hawk rides in their dusty pick-ups, on horseback or by donkey, to take tourists three-quarters of a mile up a dirt road.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Arthur would have looked very different had another actor played him, according to the filmmaker.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Over time, my relationship with my wife has become very difficult.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This material included thousands of pornographic deepfakes that Kamnik had generated using AI tools.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Police are investigating reports that Lake Zurich High School students used artificial intelligence to generate pornographic images of classmates, district officials said.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Using a damp microfiber cloth, apply shaving cream to the stained area and scrub.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Featuring special exhibit on stained glass windows in churches throughout Odenton area.
    Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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