filthy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfil-thē How to pronounce filthy (audio)
Definition of filthynext
1
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
2
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

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
This funny, filthy takedown of chauvinism is steeped in retrograde thinking and traditions. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Sauron was bested by some filthy Hobbitses and their pal, Gollum. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Slightly less filthy than the ones on the balcony, those bricks could have used a coat of paint. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026 So many downtown buildings and parking areas are filthy, smelling of urine and unmaintained. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for filthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filthy
  1. obscene
  2. dirty
  3. extremely
  4. vulgar
  5. dusty
  6. very
  7. pornographic
  8. stained
Adjective
  • Weiner pled guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor in 2017 and spent 15 months in federal prison for the crime.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Texas Tech’s student section directed an obscene chant at Kansas’ Darryn Peterson as the freshman guard prepared to shoot a free throw late in the first half of the Jayhawks’ 64-61 victory over the Red Raiders on Monday night at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of obscene
Adjective
  • Yet, even as India remains wedded to the dirtiest fossil fuel, its coal consumption is roughly 40% of China’s at the same stage of development, Ember found.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Camperlab also experimented with bleaching, dirty tints and shades of pink.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of dirty
Adverb
  • Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Even in hockey – a sport that is extremely popular around the world – there are terms used by commentators or pundits that you might not be accustomed to hearing if not a regular to the sport.
    — Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of extremely
Adjective
  • When authorities asked King to remove the breast banner as vulgar, King taped over the nipples with stars made of tape or Magic Marker.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Sarah, the former Duchess of York, also sent emails to Epstein which included a vulgar mention of Eugenie, who had not yet turned 20 at the time, People reported.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 3 Feb. 2026
Definition of vulgar
Adjective
  • This one, in a dusty olive green, has a high pile texture and subtle geometric design for the right amount of visual interest.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Mattresses and questionably clean bedding were dredged up, dusty couches cleared of detritus.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of dusty
Adverb
  • The hydropower generators at Greers Ferry Dam had been idle all day, so the Little Red was very low, with just a hint of current.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.
    — Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of very
Adjective
  • The speakers took questions from concerned parents, who asked about the use of artificial intelligence to create pornographic images — a growing threat on social media — and what law enforcement will do about trafficking as the World Cup approaches.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Douglas Wiederhold, 42, who appeared as the male actor in 71 of the website’s pornographic videos, pleaded guilty in 2024 to a federal conspiracy charge for his involvement with the now-defunct site.
    — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of pornographic
Adjective
  • The guest-only Chapel Club has a more plush, salon-like feel and there’s more than a hint of naughtiness with stained glass windows casting color onto the sensual artworks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
  • How To Remove Types Of Mattress Stains Step-By-Step Vacuum the mattress and stained area.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of stained

Browse Nearby Words

filthiness
filthy
fin
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Cite this Entry

“Filthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filthy. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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