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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 nasty Former Westwood landfill 'got real nasty' Monsanto may also have used what was a landfill where the Glenway Crossing shopping center now sits in Westwood. Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Social media slams Diddy verdict: 'A nasty precedent' Much like the verdict in Combs' case, the court of public opinion has been split on the rapper's legal fate. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 July 2025 The legendary halftime performer known for balancing (and flipping) up to 12 bowls on her head while riding a 7-foot-high unicycle took a nasty spill tonight while performing during the Commissioner’s Cup WNBA title game. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 1 July 2025 Blame a cold front for the possibly nasty weather, although Charlotte reached 91 degrees and a heat index value of 103, NWS forecasters said. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nasty
Adjective
  • Use the packing cubes to separate clean and dirty clothes for the duration of your cruise.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
  • Employees get their hands dirty in the intro course by learning how to prompt, then move to more advanced courses on building custom GPTs and agents.
    Melissa Daimler, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The wild and ugly scenes saw rioters attack law enforcement with rocks and Molotov cocktails while others burned vehicles and other property.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
  • The pair hit an ugly double-spinebuster on the Arabic announce table.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Once Schaefer’s emotional moment was done, the rest of the conversations ranged from mildly awkward to borderline painful.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Their venom, similar to a bee’s or wasp’s, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin.
    Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the Astors, who had amassed a nearly obscene amount of real estate in New York City, became the country’s first multimillionaires by smuggling opium.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
  • The use of obscene or profane language, personal attack, libel, slander, defamation, physical violence or the threat thereof, as determined by the presiding officer, shall constitute a disturbing a lawful meeting.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
  • Nor are alligators the consistently malicious snappers of Kristi Noem’s dreams.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the tight end position, a turbulent year around him in 2024 didn’t allow for any consistency for Jake Ferguson, especially when factoring in his injuries.
    Nick Harris July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2025
  • Chapek’s short and turbulent reign ended in 2022 when Iger returned as CEO.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The room was filthy, prescription bottles around the room, one bed with no sheets.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
  • Photograph: Chris Null As anyone who’s ever stuck a cotton swab in there knows, your ear canal is a filthy, disgusting place.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • But many of the Blues’ outings have been unpleasant because of high temperatures and storms, and six games across the tournament have been paused for poor weather conditions, angering manager Enzo Maresca.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 July 2025
  • My other wildlife standoff involved a much cuter animal, but potentially far more unpleasant.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nasty. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nasty

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