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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective filthy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of filthy are dirty, foul, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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 might dirty be a better fit than filthy?

In some situations, the words dirty and filthy are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would foul be a good substitute for filthy?

The words foul and filthy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is nasty related to other words for filthy?

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

In what contexts can squalid take the place of filthy?

The synonyms squalid and filthy are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 filthy
Adjective
Driven by thirst, Masahiro and his sister licked the filthy black rainwater from their lips. Charles Pellegrino, Deadline, 31 July 2025 The water receded, leaving filthy mud under the foundation. Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 22 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Part of that obscene number is the Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Brooklyn prosecutors charged him with misdemeanor assault, as well as menacing, reckless endangerment, possession of obscene material, interference with a professional sporting event, weapons possession and other charges, officials said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cleaning your garbage can is dirty work, but regular scrubbing will keep odors at bay and bugs away.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
  • From dirty pets to messy kids to kitchen mishaps, hardwood floors can take a daily beating.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Dern’s casting as Hank's mom was extremely meaningful to Butler, whose mother Lori died of cancer in 2014.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Having a healthy Parsons ready to rock for the team's matchup against the Lions will be extremely important.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As deadly wildfires raged across Southern California in January, a Los Angeles city official lamented to the city council and others how they were forced to listen to hateful, vulgar language from some members of the public.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Her choice to respond by telling me to 'shut the f*** up' and to 'calm my p*****' was vulgar, dismissive and escalated the issue entirely.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Further, steer clear of dusty bottles stored on hot shelves, as heat and light are wine’s worst enemies.
    Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The Creed of Violence is hitting the dusty trail once again, with a new feature adaptation of the 2009 Boston Teran novel in the works.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • There will also be fun for the kids in their very own Kids Fun Zone.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Except for very special occasions, videos longer than a few seconds are much less likely to be re-watched or shared.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Short n’ Sweet, but anticipation for her next project is incredibly high.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Photo: Levi Kelly A house this small needs to be incredibly efficient.
    Levi Kelly, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For most people who contract the virus, symptoms resemble those of a nasty cold and include a runny nose, aches, sore throat, congestion and maybe a fever.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The 37-year-old plays Emilia Harcourt, an agent from the lack ops squad, A.R.G.U.S., who immediately shows off her skills in the season 2 premiere episode beating up men three times her size in a nasty bar brawl.
    Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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