dirty word

as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression I'm afraid I won't be much help on the trip—the only Spanish I know is a handful of dirty words

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 word Ultimately, Newcastle have decided the time is right to move on from the power couple who made all of this possible, who always believed and never gave up, who persuaded fans that ambition and yearning were not dirty words. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 10 July 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
  • The Chinese Communist Party is a curse upon the earth.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Finishing fifth — or even fourth, as Liverpool managed last season — has historically been a bit of a curse, with teams struggling to build on their successes.
    Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The station asked the band not to include the swears.
    Kris Holt, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
  • There’s a heavy focus on Asia’s first One&Only spa, featuring a green caviar body exfoliation and an Augustinus Bader facial celebs swear by.
    Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Michigan’s approach through its Global Talent Initiative illustrates how comprehensive language programs can transform careers.
    Alison Griffin, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • On Thursday, Nvidia launched a language learning platform using artificial intelligence that promises to do just that for American Sign Language learners, in partnership with the American Society for Deaf Children and creative agency Hello Monday.
    Clare Duffy, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025

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“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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