Definition of foulnext
1
2
3
4
5
6

foul

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foul differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foul are dirty, filthy, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

When can dirty be used instead of foul?

Although the words dirty and foul have much in common, 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 could filthy be used to replace foul?

The meanings of filthy and foul largely overlap; however, 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

How is nasty related to other words for foul?

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

When would squalid be a good substitute for foul?

In some situations, the words squalid and foul are roughly equivalent. However, 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 foul
Adjective
The veteran forward got to the free throw line 12 times, hitting nine of her foul shots. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 The Peacock series follows the ongoing adventures of the pot-smoking, foul-mouthed teddy bear Ted. Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 June 2026
Verb
Chisholm was removed from the Bombers’ 5-1 loss in the fourth inning after fouling off a knuckle-curve from Chicago’s Sean Burke. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 The Knicks put the game out of reach once the Spurs were forced to start fouling on the extra possession. Mark Prussin, CBS News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foul
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul
Adjective
  • Get a room, this is disgusting!
    Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026
  • And, to me, there’s nothing more disgusting than an airplane bathroom.
    Carita Rizzo, Deadline, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • For SpaceX, the road was highly turbulent before the fourth Falcon 1 launch successfully reached orbit.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Stocks closed out a turbulent week on a positive note, but a couple of winning names could soon see a decline.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • His conviction was overturned in 2024 when his lawyers argued the first trial was unfair when the court allowed other accusers to testify.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
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
  • America’s political landscape has become a stinking mess.
    Mary Ellen Klas, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026
  • America’s political landscape has become a stinking mess.
    Mary Ellen Klas, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • And a great bench of freelancers is making this all-American game feel dramatic, approachable, and exciting—even to filthy casuals.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 18 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
Verb
  • But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • With the help of your Instant Pot, spaghetti and meatballs come together in under an hour without dirtying multiple dishes.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Compared with synthetic fibers, which slough off microplastics that pollute waterways, land and air, natural fibers can be grown or raised in ways that sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce inputs like pesticides, resulting in a lower environmental footprint, Pingree said.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
  • This is because hot sunny conditions also aid the formation of super pollutants, like tropospheric zone, black carbon and methane, which pollute the air, causing impacting human health and damage to crops.
    Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on foul

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster