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 Many January 6 defendants have protested inhumane prison conditions, including physical abuse, retaliation, and deprivation of food and heat, in a squalid D.C. jail from which several hundred were relocated after a U.S. Marshals Service investigation. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Hundreds of thousands are crammed into squalid tent camps with dwindling food after Israel sealed off the territory from all imports more than a month ago. Isaac Scharf, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 After seeing an investigative report on the squalid conditions at the Willowbrook State School, Lennon and Ono decided to headline the One to One concerts: two benefit shows at Madison Square Garden to support individual (one-to-one) care for the children. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 The pictures depict a squalid living space, with junk strewn across furniture and floors throughout the home. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squalid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid
Adjective
  • At least 12 outside experts submitted testimony in what’s called the Dunsmore case, finding that San Diego jails are filthy and that workers regularly fail to follow best practices or department policies.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • So The Righteous Gemstones went with the sentimental ending — or at least what counts for a sentimental ending in a series so committed to the filthiest possible turns of phrase.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Twain’s early writing and private letters and diaries contain vile language and sentiments.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • The Imperial City Sewers you’re meant to traverse while learning the basics of the game look hideous and vile.
    Jamal Michel, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The days of my girlhood were dusty, dirty, sooty, and sweaty.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 May 2025
  • Everything from the mortar to the rope has been handmade on the dusty site.
    Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the rates were pitiful: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip and so on.
    Eli Tan, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Israel’s performance in climate mitigation, moving to renewable energies, is pitiful — just 12% when some countries are 70%.
    JTA Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • The three-year-old thoroughbred finished ahead of 18 other horses on a muddy track at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 3 but will not be looking to repeat the feat at the Pimlico Race Course on Saturday.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
  • The 2025 Kentucky Derby endured showers and the horses ran on a muddy track.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the time, some of LeBron’s critics saw this as contemptible.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Civil-liberties organizations have defended neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan on the basis that, unless there is free speech for the most contemptible members of society, there cannot be free speech for all.
    Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Airplane tray tables, seatbelt buckles and armrests are known to be among the dirtiest surfaces onboard.
    Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • No filmmaker loves the dirty old town that is New York more than Spike Lee.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Police call fake GoFundMe page 'disgusting' Concord Police Capt. Brian Goldman said police are investigating.
    Norman Miller, USA Today, 7 May 2025
  • But where was the anger from Erik Spoelstra in his post-game news conference about this disgusting performance?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Squalid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squalid. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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