SQUALID Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

squalid

adjective

Definition of squalid next

as in filthy

severely lacking in cleanliness The squalid boarding house was overrun with rats.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not moral or honest The whole squalid affair will rightly end the politician's public career.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Around 90% of the population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, and hundreds of thousands are living in squalid tent camps with little food, water or basic services. —

Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Nov. 2024 Hundreds of thousands of people have crowded into squalid tent camps, and aid groups say hunger is rampant. Bentov, Goldenberg, Magdy and Krauss write for the Associated Press. —

Ami Bentov, Tia Goldenberg, Samy Magdy and Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 The fighting that forced her from her home, the squalid conditions in the displacement camp in eastern Congo, the hunger, all felt inescapable. —

Sam Mednick and Ruth Alonga, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 By Charlie Campbell October 16, 2024 5:47 AM EDT Concern is mounting regarding the health of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has spent over a year in a squalid prison cell on a slew of charges his supporters insist are politically motivated. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squalid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid

Adjective

They were packed in the ships’ holds in filthy conditions reminiscent of their initial arrival in North America, their prospects of freedom largely unchanged by the war.

Kinsey Gidick, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
Don't let a little plumbing snafu make your dishwasher filthy.

Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024