NASTY Synonyms: 699 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'nasty' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty , filthy , foul , and squalid . While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

Q: When is 'dirty' a more appropriate choice than 'nasty'?

The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When could 'filthy' be used to replace 'nasty'?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, 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

Q: When would 'foul' be a good substitute for 'nasty'?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty , 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

Q: When might 'squalid' be a better fit than 'nasty'?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty are roughly equivalent. However, 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

nasty

adjective

ˈna-stē

Definition of nasty next

as in dirty

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust fortunately, the story's nasty characters are balanced by some truly good people

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as in ugly

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a nasty horror movie that was so violent that I could hardly watch the opening scenes

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as in painful

causing or feeling bodily pain a nasty cut on my lip

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as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society nasty magazines that are not sold to minors

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as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it nasty comments that trolls left on the website

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as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions bring your raincoat, as the weather's supposed to be nasty

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as in filthy

not clean it's incredibly nasty inside that garbage bin, so stay away from there

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as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses the smell of those old leftovers is downright nasty

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as in unsettling

causing worry or anxiety she had the nasty sense that she'd made a mistake somewhere

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as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport a nasty hit got the hockey player suspended

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as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency that was a nasty trick to play on people who were so trusting

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as in difficult

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling given the high-ranking people involved, it will be a nasty job to hammer out a compromise

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nasty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty, filthy, foul, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

When is dirty a more appropriate choice than nasty?

The words dirty and nasty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could filthy be used to replace nasty?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, 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 would foul be a good substitute for nasty?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty, 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

When might squalid be a better fit than nasty?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty are roughly equivalent. However, 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 nasty One day after Blake Lively caught heat for promoting her upcoming film during her nasty legal fight with Justin Baldoni, director Paul Feig publicly expressed support for the 37-year-old actress. —

Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 The usual causes of bee death, such as a nasty parasite known as the varroa mite, do not seem to be the cause. —

Amy Feldman, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2025 Winter is continuing to rear its ugly head this week across the Midwest and Northeast, courtesy of a potent storm that's forecast to spread a nasty mix of ice and snow Wednesday and Thursday. —

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 The trailers show the girls in both the past and present timelines growing increasingly unhinged and the writers have promised us that this season will only get nastier. —

Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nasty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nasty

Adjective

Surrounded by plenty of enemies, political and otherwise, the husband and wife have no choice but to get their hands dirty in order to save their son.

— Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Feb. 2025
Evans recommends carving out some time to complete tasks like returning dirty dishes or mugs from elsewhere in the house to the sink.

— Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025