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
A week after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, doctors warn untreated wounds, filthy shelters and scarce supplies are fueling a looming wave of infections that could claim more lives. Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Margera tried to soothe the pain by submerging his fresh brand in a tub of filthy farm water, which resulted in a life-threatening staph infection that landed him in the hospital. Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Climate Pledge Arena prohibits abusive or obscene language and says violators may be ejected.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Some of the booths included food businesses including bakeries and lemonade stands and a dirty soda booth.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Now condemned and boarded up, cordoned off by sagging tape, dirty roll-up door set to adorn the front pages of tomorrow’s papers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The wildfires broke out over the weekend across the Spokane area, fueled by very strong winds combined with extremely dry conditions.
    Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, experts say that legal decision was extremely narrow, with some arguing it was likely misinterpreted by migrants and traffickers.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 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
  • The trend intelligence platform said mentions of dusty rose, ecru and gray denim are climbing among key influencers.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • This soft brown lumbar pillow comes with a dusty teal border that makes the aster print pop.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026
Adverb
  • Veejay is a great model and sells Naheim’s and Jeffrey’s outfits, which are both really fashionable and exciting; Jeffrey’s burgundy suit is very femme-fatale Ursula.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Moore has earned the praise after having a very strong spring.
    Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The employees also sent pornographic magazines with David Steiner’s name to a neighbor’s home and planned to install a GPS device on the couple’s car.
    Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • In 2014, Andrew Tate began his pornographic webcamming empire, recruiting women by dating and plying them with gifts.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Cover the stained area with the paste, and rub it in with a sponge.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • Victorian mansions that survived great storms and eras of change take up whole blocks, colossal buildings with stained glass windows and towering turrets.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 5 Aug. 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!