FILTHY Synonyms: 364 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

filthy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfil-thē

Definition of filthy next

as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society you cannot use such filthy language on the public airwaves

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dirty

not clean you can't go to the concert unless you clean this filthy room first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

filthy

2 of 2

adverb

as in extremely

to a great degree the invention made him filthy rich

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

How does the adjective filthy differ from other similar words?

a stained greasy floor, utterly filthy

filthy street language

When might dirty be a better fit than filthy?

a dirty littered street

don't ask me to do your dirty work

When would foul be a good substitute for filthy?

a foul-smelling open sewer

a foul story of lust and greed

How is nasty related to other words for filthy?

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?

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 filthy

Adjective

But there’s a difference between a dirty deal and a filthy deal. —

NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026 Toki died waiting in a filthy, crumbling tank at one of the oldest marine parks in the world. —

Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 Her jeans are filthy; her blonde hair hangs in loose, greasy strings; bruises speckle her thin arms, and there’s a patch of blood above her right eye. —

Outside, 10 Mar. 2026 Allegations of betting on suicide Like other detainees, Ramsingh said that between cleanings, the rooms, restrooms and showers were often filthy and infested with insects. —

Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy

Adjective

The legislation would require social media platforms to estimate the age of users and exclude obscene content to children 16 years old or younger.

— Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
The use of obscene or indecent clothing or signs will result in expulsion.

— Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of obscene

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“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of filthy

adjective

adverb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to filthy

6 Obscure Words for Messes

'Clean,' 'Sanitize,' or 'Disinfect'?

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