FOUL Synonyms: 646 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'foul' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foul are dirty , filthy , nasty , and squalid . While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

Q: When can 'dirty' be used instead of 'foul'?

Although the words dirty and foul have much in common, 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

Q: When could 'filthy' be used to replace 'foul'?

The meanings of filthy and foul largely overlap; however, 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

Q: How is 'nasty' related to other words for 'foul'?

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

Q: When would 'squalid' be a good substitute for 'foul'?

In some situations, the words squalid and foul are roughly equivalent. However, 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

foul 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfau̇(-ə)l

Definition of foul next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a foul taste that made us gag

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as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society that movie features nonstop foul language

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as in stinking

having an unpleasant smell the foul fumes from the paper mill

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as in filthy

not clean I wouldn't play in the foul rainwater that's collected in the feeding trough

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foul

2 of 2

verb

as in to dirty

to make dirty the mechanic fouled the bath towels with axle grease

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as in to pollute

to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable industrial pollution fouling the water supply

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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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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

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foul differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foul are dirty, filthy, nasty, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

When can dirty be used instead of foul?

Although the words dirty and foul have much in common, 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 foul?

The meanings of filthy and foul largely overlap; however, 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

How is nasty related to other words for foul?

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

When would squalid be a good substitute for foul?

In some situations, the words squalid and foul are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 foul

Adjective

However, if bokashi compost develops dark mold or a foul odor, the entire content of the bin should be thrown out. —

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025 In interviews, respondents to the poll reflected the foul mood of the country. —

Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

Sogard fouled off a 101 mph fastball and waved at two devastating splitters, striking out on four pitches. —

Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 Invasive species such as the overbite clam consumed the zooplankton on which juvenile smelt had fed, toxic chemicals in farm runoff fouled the waters. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul

Adjective

This data supports the growing trend in investing in collectables and historical artefacts, which are more likely to hold and increase their value in turbulent financial markets than other traditional forms of investment.

— Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Its audiences were known to fly Finnish flags in honor of Osmo Vänskä, who raised the orchestra to rare heights of excellence in a turbulent 19-year tenure as music director that ended in 2022.

— David Allen Jenn Ackerman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025