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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nasty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nasty are dirty, filthy, foul, and squalid. While all these words mean "conspicuously unclean or impure," 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

When is dirty a more appropriate choice than nasty?

The words dirty and nasty 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 nasty?

Although the words filthy and nasty have much in common, 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 would foul be a good substitute for nasty?

While in some cases nearly identical to nasty, 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

When might squalid be a better fit than nasty?

In some situations, the words squalid and nasty are roughly equivalent. However, 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 nasty The batteries consume a huge amount of resources with nasty environmental spinoffs. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Harry’s claims include his description of William having a nasty temper and allegedly attacking Harry and pushing a false narrative about Meghan bullying palace staff. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025 Apparently, while running up and down the sideline to help the Rams secure the dominant victory, McVay suffered a very nasty foot injury. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025 And that was not one of the nastier comments. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nasty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nasty
Adjective
  • The gentle, fragrance-free formula leaves even the dirtiest of clothes spotless.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Ahead of Lipa’s arrival the team was busy setting up trays of extra dirty martinis, her preferred drink.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After conceding twice in the first 31 minutes, things could have become ugly.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • In Washington and around the Arizona Capitol, the dialogue has sometimes disintegrated into ugly finger-pointing.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, the more painful the cry sounded, the warmer the listener's face became—and the effect was the same for both men and women.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Queen could have surgery to remove bunions, but has been warned against it as the surgery is too painful.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests will enjoy the experience free from disruptive behavior, foul language, obscene gestures, fighting, unruly conduct or inconsiderate actions.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Other users called her obscene names, threatened to show up at her workplace, or sent her a photograph of guns.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • If the vulnerability had been discovered by, or fallen into the hands of, malicious hackers, the fallout could have been devastating.
    Kevin Purdy, ArsTechnica, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Giant chronicles a turbulent time in the life of famed children’s author Dahl when he was accused of anti-Semitism in the early 1980s.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As the biomaterials space navigates a more turbulent landscape marked by tightening budgets, regulatory uncertainty, and investor caution, Biofabricate is adapting its approach.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Grab a sponge and a bucket, some vinegar, and dish soap, and scrub away that filthy grime.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Nothing sends chills down your spine like evil clowns, undead monsters and a filthy car.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Just the prospect of interacting with that person can be unpleasant or feel draining.
    Josh Davis, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • One unpleasant but necessary aspect of board service is disciplinary action against unneighborly behavior by members.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nasty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nasty. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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