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 Laura Washington: Donald Trump achieves a notorious distinction in his first 100 days DEI is under attack by Trump, who sees diversity as a dirty word, even a crime. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Compromise is not a dirty word. CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025 In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025 Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
  • Now, the princess must gather enough strength from herself and her triplet brothers to undo a curse.
    Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As rocks and curses flew from the street, bullets spat from the middle window on the south side of the house.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor and Hinkle swear by bonnets, while Royal and others recommend tying longer styles into a loose bun or braid before wrapping.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Patullo tore off his headset with a rare and celebratory swear.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The expansion will also include more language support, with plans to increase access to consulting and capital assistance in Spanish and Marshallese, according to an organization news release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • There is no time limit on how long such consultations could take, and experts say the language is flexible enough to allow each member to decide how far to go in responding to armed aggression against another.
    Matt Spetalnick, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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