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 State investigators have launched a probe into the squalid conditions at CBZ’s properties. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025 The strawberries have a dull, squalid complexion, trapped in a strawberry goo. Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025 Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez waited for an hour in the building’s lobby on Sunday to tour the tenth floor following reports about overcrowding and squalid conditions, only to be denied entry by ICE. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 June 2025 Starring Toshiro Mifune, as the rookie cop, and Takashi Shimura, as the seasoned detective who keeps him on the right side of the law, Stray Dog (Nora Inu) goes beyond a crime thriller, probing the squalid world of postwar Japan and the nature of the criminal mind. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for squalid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid
Adjective
  • Jackson Lamb has long, greasy hair and a pot belly over which hangs a filthy old trench coat.
    Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • On the other end, Ja’Marr Chase is coming off an absolutely filthy touchdown grab last Sunday.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Players have faced vile fan reactions and even death threats for their failure to satisfy bettors in the moment.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is not a dusty collection or hodgepodge of Gold Rush artifacts placed around a xeriscape.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The old shelves with their dusty cans were gone, replaced by three wooden pillars, each with a small platform at chest height.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York Jets season is off to quite the pitiful start.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • In tandem came the flagging energy, muddy cognition, clogged chi.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Behind us the muddy brown waters of the Tchoutacabouffa River roll towards what until recently was commonly understood to be the Gulf of Mexico.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 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
  • Leave it on dirty spots for just a minute before rubbing residue away with a soft cloth.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Williams has shown the ability to break some long runs and pick up the dirty yards.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That would probably be the most disgusting kind.
    Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … 'DISGUSTING' – Jen Psaki jokes Usha Vance scared of her husband, ripped for 'disgusting' comments.
    , FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Squalid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squalid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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