DIRTY Synonyms: 464 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'dirty' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'filthy' instead of 'dirty'?

The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When could 'foul' be used to replace 'dirty'?

The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; 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

Q: How does the word 'nasty' relate to other synonyms for 'dirty'?

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

Q: Where would 'squalid' be a reasonable alternative to 'dirty'?

While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, 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

dirty 1 of 3

adjective

ˈdər-tē

Definition of dirty next

as in filthy

not clean after working in the factory all day, his clothes are very dirty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society some radio stations refused to play the song because of the dirty lyrics

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as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions they were unknowingly sailing into dirty weather

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as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport the school is known for the dirty football it plays

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as in nasty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency accused the other campaign of playing dirty tricks

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as in cheap

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust laying off longtime employees was a dirty way for the company to reduce labor costs and save money

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as in corruptible

open to improper influence and especially bribery a movie about a dirty cop paid to protect a mafioso

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dirty

2 of 3

verb

as in to stain

to make dirty she dirtied her new sneakers when she splashed in the puddle

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dirty

3 of 3

adverb

as in illegally

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dirty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dirty are filthy, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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 is it sensible to use filthy instead of dirty?

The words filthy and dirty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could foul be used to replace dirty?

The meanings of foul and dirty largely overlap; 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 dirty?

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

Where would squalid be a reasonable alternative to dirty?

While the synonyms squalid and dirty are close in meaning, 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

Examples 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 dirty

Adjective

Unfortunately, building these building blocks can be quite dirty. —

Arlene Blum, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The dirty secret is that students don't want to take courses in neo-Marxist nonsense. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

The shrimp cook right on top of the pasta in this recipe, so there's no need to dirty a second pan. —

Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 June 2024 Steaming is simple and effective; pop a wide array of foods like veggies, fish, and dumplings into the steamer of your choosing, let the water steam up, and a complete meal cooks in minutes while barely dirtying a dish. —

Andrew Watman, WIRED, 29 June 2024

Adverb

The campaign gained intensity when photos circulated on the Internet of Ya Ya looking dirty and gaunt (by panda standards) with patchy fur. —

Ashraf Khalil and Didi Tang, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2023 During the Cold War, Washington routinely played dirty to protect the liberal order. —

Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for dirty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty

Adjective

My father was living alone in that dark, filthy room like an old animal wallowing in its own excrement.

Lee Chang-dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
Down and out in Tinseltown, where white glistening snow turns to filthy slush.

Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024