NASTINESSES Synonyms: 883 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'nasty' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When is 'dirty' a more appropriate choice than 'nasty'?

The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When could 'filthy' be used to replace 'nasty'?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, 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

Q: When would 'foul' be a good substitute for 'nasty'?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty , 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

Q: When might 'squalid' be a better fit than 'nasty'?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty 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

nastiness 1 of 2

noun

Definition of nastiness next

as in malice

the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm there was a natural nastiness about him that was evident from the time he was a small child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in grossness

the quality or state of being obscene the nastiness of the graffiti required that the school remove it immediately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dustiness

the state or quality of being dirty the piles of rotting food in the kitchen were only one element in the apartment's general impression of appalling nastiness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nasty

2 of 2

adjective

ˈna-stē

as in dirty

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust fortunately, the story's nasty characters are balanced by some truly good people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ugly

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a nasty horror movie that was so violent that I could hardly watch the opening scenes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in painful

causing or feeling bodily pain a nasty cut on my lip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society nasty magazines that are not sold to minors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it nasty comments that trolls left on the website

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions bring your raincoat, as the weather's supposed to be nasty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in filthy

not clean it's incredibly nasty inside that garbage bin, so stay away from there

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses the smell of those old leftovers is downright nasty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsettling

causing worry or anxiety she had the nasty sense that she'd made a mistake somewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport a nasty hit got the hockey player suspended

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency that was a nasty trick to play on people who were so trusting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling given the high-ranking people involved, it will be a nasty job to hammer out a compromise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nasty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty, filthy, foul, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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 is dirty a more appropriate choice than nasty?

The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 nasty?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, 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 would foul be a good substitute for nasty?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty, 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 might squalid be a better fit than nasty?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty 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 nastiness

Noun

In this moment when fine dining is being roiled by toxic behavior, Nancy’s eight restaurants offer proof that nastiness is no recipe for success. —

Ruth Reichl, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 The potential nastiness of this year’s race has led others to be cautious about tossing their hat into the ring. —

Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Adjective

The end of this nasty battle is near. —

May 17, CBS News, 17 May 2026 Drain Mats Kitchen sinks may be dirty, but your drain mat is downright nasty. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nastiness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nastiness

Noun

The task is advanced by our malice toward one, and that one is Mary.

— Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Most environments do not fail out of malice.

— Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Definition of malice

Browse Nearby Words

nastily

nastiness

nasty

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nastiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nastiness. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nastiness

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on nastiness

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

onus

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - May 22

Insults and Compliments from Recent Slang

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Games & Quizzes