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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
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton laid on a filthy pass (above) to help set up Lauren James’ goal, who finished with typical aplomb. Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 July 2025 But this is a failure, not least because the government has managed to turn public transit and city sidewalks into filthy encampments and dangerous zombie drug dens. Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 4 July 2025 These words are so filthy, even 40 years later, that Tribune editors will only allow an edited version to be included here. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 The girl is so filthy that just one look at her gets across the idea that this lifestyle is repellent. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Lawsuit alleges 'obscene' government overreach Longo's lawsuit, filed in Chemung County, New York, names the county, the city of Elmira and several DEC officers as defendants.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • The court acknowledged that protecting minors from material that would be considered obscene from their perspective was a compelling government interest.
    Noah Feldman, Mercury News, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The restaurant violated 17 standards, including bugs inside the restaurant and dirty kitchen equipment.
    Evan Moore July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2025
  • What to look for in a quality cat fountain Filtration system Stagnant or dirty water is dangerous to pets, especially cats with a delicate immune system.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Adverb
  • It’s coated in a thin layer of real gold – not just to look fancy, but because gold reflects infrared light extremely well.
    Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars made an extremely aggressive move in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because at the time, Madonna was seen as this controversial and sort of vulgar character.
    Terry Gross, NPR, 17 July 2025
  • Users must also opt-in to see the vulgar version of Bad Rudi, rather than a more family-friendly version known simply as Rudi.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tim Petrillo, one of the developers behind the $500 million project, donned a hard hat on a sweltering Tuesday and peered out at the dusty construction site at Northwest First Avenue, just north of Northwest Fifth Street.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
  • Jameson had a customer who turned his dusty garage into a workshop by running extension cords along the floor to a workbench.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Adverb
  • And a lot of people took it very much to heart and very seriously.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
  • And notably Melvin Capital, which had a very large short position against GameStop, lost billions of dollars and closed because of this trade.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Adverb
  • Sour Strawberry Candy Belts These sour straws are almost too chewy, but incredibly satisfying.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 July 2025
  • This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • For example, wildfires can not only cause direct injury and damage to people and property but can also spew all sorts of nasty stuff into the air.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Morton signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Orioles this past offseason as a starting pitcher who had established himself with 17 years of MLB experience and a nasty curveball.
    Said Bravo, CNN Money, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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