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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
  • It was seized by the post office (as Rosset had expected) and duly declared obscene by the postmaster of the city of New York, a man named Robert Christenberry.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Who says a man can’t appreciate the gleaming, obscene form of an Aston Martin supercar or the growl of its overpriced engine?
    Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are two freezer martini variations – one with vodka, served dirty and another with gin and a lemon twist.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
  • Wet bathing suits and dirty clothes need somewhere to go once your kid has changed into something dry and clean.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 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
  • Aiyuk appears to direct two common insults at the subject of the video — almost certainly the 49ers — by using the literal, nonprofane meanings of the terms rather than saying the vulgar words themselves.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
  • Wembanyama missed seven shots from the floor, going 11 of 18 and silencing the crowd that at one point directed a vulgar chant his way.
    Stephen Whyno, Twin Cities, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • It’s been too hot and too dry and too dusty and there was smoke in the air for a couple of days, which sets off my wildfire heckles.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The Creed of Violence is hitting the dusty trail once again, with a new feature adaptation of the 2009 Boston Teran novel in the works.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The first strike was very lethal.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Unlike lights, inflatables are very visible during the day and draw the attention of your neighbors.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • While Washington drags its feet, kids across the nation are being exposed to vile, pornographic images and ads with no meaningful safeguards to prevent it.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
  • An online version of the guide — sans pornographic images — is available on the city’s website.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 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 18 Jun. 2026.

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