squalid

1
2

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 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 More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been driven from their homes, most of them now sheltering in sprawling, squalid tent camps in south and central Gaza. Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for squalid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • As are the people supporting or justifying these vile acts of terrorism.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And for anyone who's forgotten just how vile Whitfield is, the next scene serves as a nasty reminder.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 23 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
Adjective
  • Its pitiful history includes only one application, less than a decade after its formulation, to strike down a delegation in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, 295 U.S. 495 (1935).
    Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Kubrick’s film is a hell of a black comedy that satirizes the mediocrity of middle-class life: In the director’s world, fathers are pitiful providers, mothers are blandly cheerful (while quietly suffering enormously), and the kids see far more than their parents do.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The machinery has previously saved elephants from mud pits, rescued dogs from rivers and even removed camels out of muddy swamps.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Panamanian government is forcing some of them into a camp in the muddy rural south of the country, at the edge of the hostile jungles of the Darién Gap.
    Jack Herrera, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite his more contemptible tendencies of the past decade, Chappelle is a tremendously gifted stand-up at heart, and these sprawling monologues are always exciting.
    Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Fiona Shaw is so perfectly contemptible throughout those scenes on the sailboat, rendering Angelica so completely self-absorbed and so cruel, that her likely death feels like an immediate relief.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024
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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on squalid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!