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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
After starting her career at Argentine raves, Six Sex initially broke through with a particularly filthy strain of underground reggaeton. E.r. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026 So, Tom Steyer, welcome to the hall of infamy of filthy-rich flops. Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 On the other hand, the cloth seats in many buses are filthy. Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 The president had complained about filthy water and a leaking foundation, according to previous USA TODAY reporting. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • After shares rallied to a peak of $225 on June 16, a stunning 50 percent rise over their opening price, Musk officially became the world’s very-first trillionaire — an obscene hyper-capitalist milestone highlighting the tech oligarchy’s iron grip on society.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a man in a karate gi, disposable gloves, and dirty white sneakers was hauling a cart by means of a homemade yoke strapped across his shoulders.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Adverb
  • Now, multiple residents are left worried about what's to come next week with extremely hot temperatures in the forecast.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Despite being the fourth largest economy in the world — the home of Hollywood and Silicon Valley — California’s budget is extremely dependent on the state’s most prosperous residents.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In recent years, Trae Young has repeatedly tormented the Knicks at the famed Madison Square Garden, turning clutch shots and postgame showmanship into vulgar chants from New York fans.
    Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
  • This isn’t about the vulgar prices now being charged to get into the building and Celebrity Row.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Looking for a heritage bolt of fabric without having to comb through the dusty shelves of an antiques store?
    Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026
  • On the dusty backroads of Radiator Springs, where Lightning McQueen and his pals live, a shower of meteors threatened to bring destruction upon the quarter-size cars in a scene that disaster movie king Roland Emmerich would endorse.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Adverb
  • Following their arrival, word spread among law enforcement at Kansas City Stadium (aka Arrowhead) that the King and Queen were en route — and the path to the VVIP (yes, very very) entrance was cleared by FBI officials, who kept fans away from the area.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
  • This could look like a very specific cut of a sleeve of a shirt that nods to that time.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gibson asked for pornographic images of the minor, and sent photos of himself, according to court documents.
    Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Visitors stroll from room to room, surrounded by stained glass and sacred cremains, serving witness to moving and often head-scratching performances.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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