as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression
I'm afraid I won't be much help on the trip—the only Spanish I know is a handful of dirty words
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 dirty word
Educate Your Customers The threat of disinformation isn’t a secret or a dirty word.
—
Lauren Crystal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Lauren Crystal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
In many parts of the country, NAFTA is still a dirty word.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025
Compromise is not a dirty word.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Butter doesn't have to be a dirty word.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
Noun
-
This is both a blessing and a curse in the list production process.—
Maggie McGrath,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
And after that, the Kennedy curse became this sort of wide-ranging explanation for a lot of things that were happening.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
People.com,
16 July 2025
Noun
-
Bonus: For every 100ml bottle sold, Omorovicza donates 5% to Water.org, supporting global access to safe water. Jones Road Miracle Balm, $40 Women over 50 swear by this award-winning, Bobbi Brown-founded brand for its nourishing and hydrating qualities.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
The word was forbidden in their household and treated like a swear.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
English is widely spoken across Puerto Rico, but travelers should keep in mind that Spanish is the island's universal language.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
-
Barring any specific language in the Wilkins contract, the Raiders will have an uphill battle to fight.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share