squalid

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective squalid differ from other similar words?

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

In what contexts can dirty take the place of squalid?

The words dirty and squalid 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 squalid?

While the synonyms filthy and squalid are close in meaning, 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 can foul be used instead of squalid?

In some situations, the words foul and squalid are roughly equivalent. However, 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 does the word nasty relate to other synonyms for squalid?

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

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 squalid Video from inside the cat house obtained by Fox News Digital shows squalid conditions, with five cramped, makeshift rooms sectioned off by wooden panels and shower curtains with just enough room to fit a bed in every one of them. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 Video clips of California cities’ squalid encampments of the homeless, the smash-and-grab robberies and the sometimes violent demonstrations against Trump’s immigration sweeps would bolster the sour image that those in other states already have of California. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 After speaking with the victim, our detectives searched the residence and found that the victim was subjected to live in squalid, filthy decisions alongside numerous animals. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 Jon, meanwhile, holes up in his squalid quarters surrounded by takeout containers and dirty clothes while hooked onto a cheap-looking VR game that hardly inspires the wonderment in us it’s supposed to in him. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squalid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid
Adjective
  • Trying to expose the trafficking, abuse, and the filthy networks that protect the wealthy and powerful puts you in danger.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Unitree claims that the G1 is made to handle difficult, filthy, and repetitive jobs in a variety of settings, including at homes, factories, and hospitals.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the season’s back half, neither its overloading of vile desecrations nor maudlin sentimentality adds anything that Monster hadn’t already established four episodes ago.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Koch’s vile conduct spawns a number of unnecessary fantasy sequences either brought on by the comics or wholly imagined by Ed.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On top of the traditional orange and dusty red decor, consider adding violet and navy to the mix this fall.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Baseboards And Molding Baseboards and molding get incredibly dusty from years of neglect.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Browns have scored the second-fewest points in the NFL, ahead of only the pitiful Tennessee Titans.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
  • On the side of the highway, Wilson cuts a pitiful, solitary figure.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Boultier expresses similar views and suggests steering clear of muddy pastels like dusty lilac or pale mint green.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Similar heavy rains produced similar muddy results in 2014 and 2015.
    Dan Kelly October 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The death of Pope Francis, sadly, has not escaped the attention of these truly contemptible criminals.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • At the time, some of LeBron’s critics saw this as contemptible.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Use a toothbrush to scrub the extra-dirty spots or a scrub brush to refresh an entire piece of furniture before using a microfiber cloth to remove lingering soap bubbles.
    Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Evshine Memory Foam Slippers Listen, airplane floors are disgusting.
    Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Some of the abuse that came later, though, was disgusting.
    Kevin Coulson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Squalid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squalid. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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