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

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as in grossness

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

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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

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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

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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

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as in painful

causing or feeling bodily pain a nasty cut on my lip

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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

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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

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as in turbulent

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

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as in filthy

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

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as in unpleasant

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

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as in unsettling

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Those guys have physicality, nastiness, speed, smarts. —

Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026 In-state offensive tackle Maxwell Riley is impressive changing direction and finishes plays with the type of nastiness that will endear him to fans in Columbus. —

Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Adjective

The Yankees came at the Giants with a wicked 1-2 at the top of their rotation, a hell of a pitcher in Will Warren to follow, a bullpen that is buck nasty, and, oh yeah, Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton in the middle of the lineup. —

Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 Scott can reverse the nasty habit of throwing fat pitches in the zone after getting ahead in the count, his signing will look better. —

Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nastiness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nastiness

Noun

Officers arrested Granger on Tuesday and charged him with rape, aggravated assault, malice murder, and two counts of felony murder.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Peterson said there was no evidence of malice by Dance and that good faith is presumed for public officers.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

Definition of malice

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nastily

nastiness

nasty

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“Nastiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nastiness. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of nastiness

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adjective

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