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Definition of filthynext
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filthy

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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
So, Tom Steyer, welcome to the hall of infamy of filthy-rich flops. Garry South, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 For example, the prescription offered by those who saw a generally healthy way of life as the right way to prevent disease helped propel cleaning up the filthy cities of the Industrial Revolution—and that really did reduce the impact of common fevers. Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 On the other hand, the cloth seats in many buses are filthy. Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 The president had complained about filthy water and a leaking foundation, according to previous USA TODAY reporting. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Friis Bach, who was then chairman of the Folketing’s secretive Foreign Policy Committee, was asked in early January to begin considering the obscene logistics of a mass evacuation of Greenland.
    Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026
  • The amount of money spent on election campaigns is absolutely obscene.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • There are two freezer martini variations – one with vodka, served dirty and another with gin and a lemon twist.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
  • Wet bathing suits and dirty clothes need somewhere to go once your kid has changed into something dry and clean.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026
Adverb
  • Canada and Qatar drew their first matches, making this an extremely important opportunity for their hopes of advancing out of the group stage.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • All had extremely low omega-3 levels and at least one risk factor for dementia, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure or cholesterol.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • This isn’t about the vulgar prices now being charged to get into the building and Celebrity Row.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
  • But this original iteration of Call Her Daddy was vulgar, transgressive, and short-lived.
    Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX's headquarters in Starbase, Texas, which sits at the state's southern tip in the Rio Grande Valley, emerges almost unexpectedly after miles of long, dusty dirt roads.
    Maya Blackstone, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The nose on my sample kicked off with some dusty funk, espresso, and dark chocolate.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Adverb
  • The fans have been amazing, very loud and cheered us on.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • But Roberts figures to have two other very worthy options.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gibson asked for pornographic images of the minor, and sent photos of himself, according to court documents.
    Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026
  • While Washington drags its feet, kids across the nation are being exposed to vile, pornographic images and ads with no meaningful safeguards to prevent it.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Visitors stroll from room to room, surrounded by stained glass and sacred cremains, serving witness to moving and often head-scratching performances.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
  • Quick wash cycles are best for lightly soiled or musty items and small loads, not for stained or heavily used laundry.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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