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dirty

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verb

dirty

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adverb

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

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 dirty
Adjective
Sonic Drive-In began offering the option to make its drinks dirty by adding coconut cream and lime for an additional charge. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 16 Sep. 2024 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
Verb
Generally, though, utilities such as Xcel Energy, Intermountain Power Agency and Tri-State Generation & Transmission are moving forward with plans to retire their coal plants, namely because the aging facilities are dirty, inefficient, inflexible and, most of all, no longer profitable. Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025 That version of Boldy — the skilled scorer not afraid to go to the dirty areas — had superstar qualities and scored some big-time goals. Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Adverb
Crème Brûlée Steve Granitz Crème brûlée is like butter blonde, but dirtied up a bit for a browned, warm tint. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 2 May 2025 He’s come through with timely hits, dirtied his uniform on the bases and made an impact with his arm in the outfield. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty
Adjective
  • One of the canines was wrapped in a spring protruding from a broken, threadbare couch, and yelping for help when cops arrived at the filthy apartment in the Belmont section of the Bronx on Aug. 4, officials said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
  • An image of the inside of the bunker, released by the sheriff’s office, showed a filthy mattress in a corner, a folding chair and a fan.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • To authenticate Trump's note and the obscene drawing that accompanied it, Journal reporters claim to have seen the album and talked to people knowledgeable about it.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.
    Kyler Alvord, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nationals put up a four-spot against Verlander, the backbreaker being CJ Abrams’ towering two-run shot off the right-field foul pole.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas the Star Wars sequels woefully misused the actor's talents, this movie puts them center stage, playing one of the teen hoodlums who join forces with their victim to fight off nasty, otherworldly invaders.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Things could be reversed if prompt actions are taken to get vaccination rates back up again before the different nasty microbes can spread too far in the U.S. population.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet 80% of charging happens not at public plazas but in garages, where electricity is cheap and parking is certain.
    Carlos Georgescu, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Instead, save big by buying store brands, or private labels, which are usually cheaper.
    Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The color is also anti-fade, and won’t stain, shrink, or wrinkle.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Block after block across metropolitan Milwaukee, piles of soaked carpets, waterlogged appliances and furniture stained beyond recognition now slump in front yards and along sidewalks.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectacular scenery certainly helps, as the story traverses from dusty Andean plains to harrowing mountain roads to capital city La Paz.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Axel Hunnicutt stood by the side of a dusty dirt road in California’s high country rangeland and howled like a wolf.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dirty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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