1
as in turbulent
marked by wet and windy conditions
the foul weather brought out the windbreakers and rain slickers as everyone braced for a day of rough sailing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfair
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport
an aggressive hockey player who is known for his foul play and readiness for a fight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
a foul taste that made us gag
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in obscene
depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society
that movie features nonstop foul language
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in stinking
having an unpleasant smell
the foul fumes from the paper mill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in filthy
not clean
I wouldn't play in the foul rainwater that's collected in the feeding trough
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to dirty
to make dirty
the mechanic fouled the bath towels with axle grease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pollute
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable
industrial pollution fouling the water supply
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to humiliate
to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes
the minister was irreparably fouled by baseless rumors and allegations
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to rot
to go through decomposition
unless you want to smell the organic refuse as it fouls, locate the compost heap away from the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foul
Evan Bush, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2025
The combination of pitted skin and foul odor is usually enough for a provider to tell the difference between pitted keratolysis and other similar foot conditions.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 6 Feb. 2025
Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
In a zany game that featured promotions like a penalty box for fouling players, doubled point values during specific stretches of the game and a 4-point line, Team Bonds won 66-55.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul
Adjective
Ninety-four million people across the northern U.S. from the Plains to the Great Lakes as well as the Northeast were under winter weather alerts Saturday night, as a fast-moving storm threatened to foul roads and create dangerous, icy conditions from the Dakotas to Maine.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2025
The combination of pitted skin and foul odor is usually enough for a provider to tell the difference between pitted keratolysis and other similar foot conditions.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
Donovan Mitchell missed a 3 and Allen fouled Şengün on the rebound with 4.5 seconds left.
—Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
In a zany game that featured promotions like a penalty box for fouling players, doubled point values during specific stretches of the game and a 4-point line, Team Bonds won 66-55.
—Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for foul
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul
Adjective
-
The 1999 killing Syed and Lee both attended Woodlawn High School and had dated, broken up, reunited and broken up again in a relationship an appeals court described as turbulent.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC News,
27 Feb. 2025
-
His childhood was turbulent—his parents' frequent fights sometimes turned physical, with his father directing his frustrations at young Gene.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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California Representative Sara Jacobs countered that targeting transgender kids for political gain is what's truly unfair.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
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From holding major banks accountable for unfair practices to strengthening regulations that ensure fair access to credit, the CFPB has been a pillar of financial justice, particularly for Black, Latino, and low-income communities whom predatory financial institutions often target.—
Lenwood V. Long, Sr.,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The desire to avoid portraying her character’s actions as simply disgusting led de Van to play the lead role herself, in spite of the challenges that created for her as a first-time feature director.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
27 Feb. 2025
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Selena Gomez has called out 'disgusting' weight shame As a former child star who grew up in the public eye, Gomez has long been subjected to conversations surrounding her weight.—
Jay Stahl,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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There is absolutely nothing in libraries across the state that is obscene.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This is about a team with a top-10 payroll whose GM committed too stinking much of it to dogs that can’t, or won’t, pull the sled.—
Sean Keeler,
The Denver Post,
22 Dec. 2019
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Muttaiah said the man inside the stinking manhole was working without any safety equipment — no gloves, no shoes, no supplemental oxygen.—
Joanna Slater,
Washington Post,
16 Dec. 2019
Adjective
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Impacted national park and forest employees say fewer workers will lead to longer lines, filthy bathrooms and unsafe hiking and camping conditions at America's precious public lands.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC News,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Between sweat, body oils, dust, dirt, hair, and grime, yoga mats, weights, and treadmills can get pretty filthy.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Grease dirtied the handles of the ovens, the microwave ovens and the coolers.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Instead of dirtying a larger pot for your supporting dishes, this quaint cooker will come in handy for quick (or slower simmering) concoctions while matching your kitchen atmosphere.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The dresser is GreenGuard approved, meaning it’s been screened for more than 10,000 chemicals known to pollute indoor air.—
Christopher Murray,
Fox News,
28 Feb. 2025
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Since fast fashion exists to keep up with rapidly changing trends, a striking 85% of clothes end up in landfills every year, polluting the environment.—
Grace Butler,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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