dirty word
noun
: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference
Synonyms
Examples of dirty word in a Sentence
The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.
They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.
The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dialogue has become a dirty word for many in the Venezuelan opposition as well, thanks to Maduro’s record of using negotiations to buy time, consolidate his support, and splinter his adversaries.
—
Michael J. Camilleri, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2019
Only after the Cold War ended did a neoconservative foreign policy consensus come to dominate the American right—and diplomacy became a dirty word for Republicans.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Ultimately, Newcastle have decided the time is right to move on from the power couple who made all of this possible, who always believed and never gave up, who persuaded fans that ambition and yearning were not dirty words.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 10 July 2024
Now, changing customer attitudes, regulatory action, and improvements by larger financial players have made tipping and junk fees dirty words.
—Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dirty word 
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Michael J. Camilleri, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2019
Only after the Cold War ended did a neoconservative foreign policy consensus come to dominate the American right—and diplomacy became a dirty word for Republicans.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Ultimately, Newcastle have decided the time is right to move on from the power couple who made all of this possible, who always believed and never gave up, who persuaded fans that ambition and yearning were not dirty words.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 10 July 2024
Now, changing customer attitudes, regulatory action, and improvements by larger financial players have made tipping and junk fees dirty words.
—Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dirty word
Dictionary Entries Near dirty word
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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