sleaze

noun

ˈslēz How to pronounce sleaze (audio)
also ˈslāz
Synonyms of sleazenext
1
: sleazy quality, appearance, or behavior
also : sleazy material
2
: a sleazy person

Examples of sleaze in a Sentence

some sleaze will try to make a buck off of this tragedy a real sleaze who is constantly mooching off friends, and friends of friends
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Long sidelined in favor of near-nostalgia moments like Y2K bling and 2010s indie sleaze, the decade is primed for a return, reimagined through a more modern and practical lens. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026 Beyond its glitz and sleaze, Bright Lights is a sobering lesson on why partying does not always soothe a troubled soul. Andrew Holter, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025 The guy was a sleaze, but there’s a pretty big gap between sleaziness and murderousness. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 The music sounds like a terrible Brooklyn electro indie-sleaze band opening for Crystal Castles or Yachts at Studio B, then rushing home to make sure the Tivo caught Gossip Girl. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleaze

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sleazy

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleaze was in 1948

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleaze. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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