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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
And some of the best evidence of the lovebugs’ comeback came last week at the Turkey Lake Service Plaza on Florida’s Turnpike, where filthy, splattered cars and trucks queued up before the plaza’s automatic windshield washer. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 But a visually unappealing toilet seat could make an otherwise tidy bathroom look unexpectedly filthy—and there may really be more dirt and germs there than meet the eye, too. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026 Inside, filthy soldiers press up against the wood. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 12 May 2026 Baker said while Fike's immediate surroundings were filthy, a brand-new hospital bed, urinal and wheelchair were available at the home. Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Karen Read filed her lawsuit against Canton and the MSP not only to reveal shockingly obscene and racist text messages between key cops investigating her — but also to relitigate the defense theory of conspiracy to frame her.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
  • The Seleção has been knocked out in the quarterfinals in four of the last five tournaments and finished fourth in 2014, which featured an obscene 7-1 drubbing against Germany in the semifinal.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • There are very few hints in art of dogs being dirty, vicious or rabid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • Merchants in fine suits rode in carriages or on sedan chairs while enslaved people lugging carts and crates wore dirty, threadbare clothing and could be publicly whipped or burned to death for misbehavior.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 June 2026
Adverb
  • According to Outword Magazine Fred Palmer, the owner of Scott’s, Alan Irvine, is extremely gay supportive and has hosted numerous events for both Outword and the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (see below).
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • The whole episode is a reminder to product designers everywhere that users can be extremely sensitive to the seemingly smallest changes — and Spotify clearly had not anticipated that a teeny-tiny disco ball drop would prove to be unpopular.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Apparently some fans were using some vulgar language toward Brunson in Game 1.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 5 June 2026
  • Doolan also received several emails calling her a vulgar word that typically refers to women.
    Maven Navarro June 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX's headquarters in Starbase, Texas, which sits at the state's southern tip in the Rio Grande Valley, emerges almost unexpectedly after miles of long, dusty dirt roads.
    Maya Blackstone, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The nose on my sample kicked off with some dusty funk, espresso, and dark chocolate.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Adverb
  • The fans have been amazing, very loud and cheered us on.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • But Roberts figures to have two other very worthy options.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is plenty of pornographic decoration in contemporary popular culture, but very little of it is consequential.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Authorities alleged that their tactics included intimidating the women, placing them under constant surveillance and forcing them to perform pornographic acts that were then shared on social media.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Apply to the stained area and work it into the fabric.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
  • The frame structures already standing would hold stained glass in the finished church for a congregation that formed in the 1890s.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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