dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Synonyms
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now, changing customer attitudes, regulatory action, and improvements by larger financial players have made tipping and junk fees dirty words.
—
Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Now, free trade is a dirty word for Democrats and Republicans alike.
—Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Mar. 2021
Hot With a Vengeance, Sable Yong looks to understand why vanity is still such a dirty word in a culture so obsessed with beauty.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 27 June 2024
Nuance is a dirty word inside the Valley of the Stupid.
—Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dirty word 
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Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Now, free trade is a dirty word for Democrats and Republicans alike.
—Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Mar. 2021
Hot With a Vengeance, Sable Yong looks to understand why vanity is still such a dirty word in a culture so obsessed with beauty.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 27 June 2024
Nuance is a dirty word inside the Valley of the Stupid.
—Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dirty word
Dictionary Entries Near dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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