SQUALID Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

squalid

adjective

Definition of squalid next

as in filthy

severely lacking in cleanliness The squalid boarding house was overrun with rats.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not moral or honest The whole squalid affair will rightly end the politician's public career.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 squalid Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 27 Dec. 2024 Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast as the cold, wet winter sets in. —

Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Thousands of Haitian migrants were camped out in squalid conditions under a bridge at the border in Del Rio, Texas. —

Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2024 Team Roc posted a series of interviews with the family members of men held in Parchman as a way of highlighting the squalid, dangerous conditions in the prison. —

Jelani Cobb, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squalid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squalid

Adjective

Lamine Yamal’s filthy turn for the second goal (above) let football shine through the politics for a second.

— Phil Hay, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
In the earlier seasons of the show, characters were often filthy, caked with dirt and blood, clothes tattered.

— Erik Kain, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025