squalid

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective squalid differ from other similar words?

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

In what contexts can dirty take the place of squalid?

The words dirty and squalid 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 squalid?

While the synonyms filthy and squalid are close in meaning, 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 can foul be used instead of squalid?

In some situations, the words foul and squalid are roughly equivalent. However, 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 does the word nasty relate to other synonyms for squalid?

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

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 squalid During the previous effort, squalid and fetid camps grew on the border and were marred by gang violence. Colleen Long, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 During the previous implementation of this policy, squalid camps at the border became hotspots for gang violence. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 Hundreds of thousands are struggling with hunger and disease in squalid tent camps on the coast. Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Many of them have been living in squalid tent camps, which are freezing at night and hot during the day. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squalid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid
Adjective
  • Chicagoans will have no one to hold accountable at the ballot box when the buses don’t arrive and rail stations are filthy and crime-ridden.
    Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The plastic waste China received was filthy, much of it too dirty to be cleaned, shredded, and turned into new plastic.
    Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Snow White gets a much more meaningful backstory The original Disney film begins with a few short sentences about how Snow White was forced to work as a scullery maid for her vile stepmother, the Queen.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Newsweek's efforts to politicize the death of these individuals, including the reporter's request to confirm names and locations of death, are vile.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The petrified bones of extinct horses, ground sloths, cheetahs and bears have been uncovered from the dusty layers of time exposed here.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This can get unsanitary since the dust can circulate in the air of your home, and for some models, dusty coils can affect how efficiently your fridge cools.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the modern Democratic Party, rudderless and confused and reeling from a pitiful collective performance during Tuesday evening's presidential joint address to Congress, now confronts a fork in the road that's no joke.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • My performance was beyond pitiful today, and has been for a while now.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Palestinian families who had returned to live among the ruins of the devastated neighborhood during the ceasefire once again fled, piling mattresses and belongings on donkey carts and escaping on muddy roads.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Tidy up all those tight spaces—tub seals, sink drains, car vents—or spiff up a pair of muddy sneakers.
    Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At the time, some of LeBron’s critics saw this as contemptible.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Civil-liberties organizations have defended neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan on the basis that, unless there is free speech for the most contemptible members of society, there cannot be free speech for all.
    Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Not worrying about getting dirty or anything like that.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • These guys are out here sweating, getting their hands dirty.
    Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Using that platform to engage in partisan attacks and accuse former Department leadership of weaponizing law enforcement is a disgusting betrayal of those values.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Continue reading … ‘PRO-CRIMINAL’ – Blue state sheriff unloads on 'disgusting' bill targeting the right to self-defense.
    Fox News, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Squalid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squalid. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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