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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 of filthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
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 The filthy tiled chamber outfitted with metal shackles and fluorescent lights where much of the film takes place resembles an interrogation room, for example. Katie Rife, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 Photos included in the lawsuit show paint chipping from the walls, ceilings and windowsill, a filthy carpet and a dirty and stained bathtub. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 But if Walter were willing to stop taking money from Phillips 66 and Marathon Petroleum, the Dodgers owner could help clean up Southern California’s filthy air — saving who knows how many lives, and preventing who knows how many tragic illnesses. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for filthy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'filthy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near filthy

Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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