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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

Examples 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
The carbonation of Coke can work its magic on filthy rings, lime buildup, and water stains. Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024 One of my brothers and I, filthy from combat and not being Tim Walz. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Aug. 2024 And what Johnson did to end the third period of the Heat’s Saturday victory over the Boston Celtics at the Las Vegas Summer League was nothing short of filthy and frightening. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2024 But scientists have found that polluted air and filthy water still afflict tens of millions of people with disease and premature death. Sammy Roth, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for filthy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
Adjective
  • Its upper reaches are the playground for obscene displays of wealth.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Racist and obscene comments from some of the event’s early speakers were clipped and flagged by popular X users like @Acyn and Aaron Rupar.
    Brian Stelter, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Carbon emissions would increase because there is a dearth of renewables and the world would have to burn dirtier fossil fuels from non-Western entities.
    Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Yes, but: Charlie Bailey, a former Fulton County gang prosecutor who ran for lieutenant governor as a Democrat in 2022, told Axios that the RICO law was created to catch leaders of criminal organizations who weren't doing the dirty work.
    Kristal Dixon, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • At first, the girls are only in danger of being forced to listen to one man’s extremely pretentious opinions about religion, philosophy, culture, and yes, pop music, which is terrifying in itself.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Incumbent Carmen Montano and Councilmember Hon Lien are locked in an extremely close mayoral race in Milpitas.
    Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump was heard bragging in vulgar terms about women.
    Alena Botros, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Married to Stanley, a man of carnal appetites and vulgar manners, Stella has embraced the crude pleasures of realism, while her freeloading sister still clings to tattered aristocratic illusions.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In the heart of Ethiopia, the arrival of a sprawling industrial park finds a dusty farming town at the new frontier of globalization.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Gold, cream, and dusty rose accents complete the room’s retro look.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024
Adverb
  • That gives us very little clarity as to who the Best New Artist front-runner is.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • ChromeOS is built around touch-screen input, so detachable and two-in-one form factors are very popular for Chromebooks.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • Buck Bedding Areas Buck bedding areas are incredibly productive spots throughout the early season, pre-rut, and late season.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The lineup is an incredibly solid mix of Latin music styles, ranging from regional Mexican to various kinds of pop.
    Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Good post for a mid- to late-November afternoon: 70 to 100 yards back in timber and along the thickest, nastiest ditch that leads out to crops. 59) Don’t waste precious rut-hunting time.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Reason for Ranking: Yet another solid (and prescient) premise that’s spoiled by a nasty streak and curious jokes about, uh, Abraham Lincoln hitting on Homer.
    Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near filthy

Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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