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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
Her tragic ordeal began early on Oct. 7, 2023, witnessing the murder of her parents, followed by being taken hostage as an orphan, silenced, and held in dark, filthy rooms in Gaza with no food, water, or hygiene. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 King wrote the letter while spending several days in solitary confinement in a dark, filthy, jail cell with no mattress in Birmingham, Alabama. John Blake, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 The government soldiers left behind a filthy jumble of army life: clothes, blankets, gas masks and helmets, and empty tin cans. Carlotta Gall, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 Lamine Yamal’s filthy turn for the second goal (above) let football shine through the politics for a second. Phil Hay, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), individuals may not block access to sidewalks or buildings, disrupt counterprotests, or engage in speech that is obscene, makes knowingly false statements of fact, or incites immediate violence or dangerous disturbances.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • There is absolutely nothing in libraries across the state that is obscene.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Every Look from the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet By Vogue Based on Court of Honor, William P. Wood’s 1991 legal thriller, this Turner Network Television original movie finds Tom Selleck playing a municipal judge who pitches in to help with a government sting operation focused on nailing a dirty judge.
    Nell Beram, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • More likely, a veteran like Hill or Ford or any number of others — guys who have played a lot and know how to get the dirty work done — could fit.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • This shows us how much of a reach influencers can have and, in my experience, influencer collaborations can be extremely fruitful in hospitality PR.
    Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The measles virus is airborne and extremely contagious.
    Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, these arrangements were not mere shakedowns; they were anchored in strategic diplomacy and geopolitical calculus, rather than vulgar profiteering.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Her Facebook and email had been flooded with vulgar, inflammatory responses.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • At the ruins of Palisades Presbyterian Church, Park stood on dusty ground and pointed to a spot in the rubble.
    Jason DeRose, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The dusty blue cabinets and traditional veined marble bring the perfect amount of old money class, while wooden elements, like beams, shelves, and a dining table, warm up the room.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • They have long since been known to be very controlling with video footage from tournament play.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • In recent years, a handful of new space companies have announced plans to develop small- and medium-size satellites designed to survive in very low-Earth orbit (VLEO) and capable of taking advantage of the closer-in vantage point.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Of course, she felt vindicated, but learning what had been growing inside her body left her feeling incredibly overwhelmed.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Even if the projection is off by a wide margin, the cost to run a furnace in 2045 is going to be incredibly high compared with a heat pump.
    Ben Roush, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Poles needs to find difference-makers, nasty offensive linemen, game-wrecking defensive linemen, ravenous pass rushers … again, the Bears have a lot of needs.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Stacey woke up with a nasty hangover from the night prior.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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