as in dirty
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
the jury was disgusted by the scummy behavior of the defendant in the courtroom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scummy
Adjective
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That version of Boldy — the skilled scorer not afraid to go to the dirty areas — had superstar qualities and scored some big-time goals.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
31 July 2025 -
Another is to use one of the brand's sprays and spritz the dirty surface, wipe it down, then rinse with water.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
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My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
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The 996 also felt cheap inside, borrowing interior trim from the Boxster—hardly fitting for a car with a base MSRP of $65,000 at the time.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
1 Aug. 2025
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Though prices at the pump typically jump when refineries switch to a more expensive summer blend of gasoline, lower crude oil prices have led to cheaper gas this summer.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Once Bernstein landed on broadcast television, in the mid-fifties, such guides looked pitiful.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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The real version of Dave is equal parts pitiful and menacing, seductive and unable to fully pass himself as a normal person.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, later in the day, arguments about controversial issues like politics and religion could get nasty.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
31 July 2025
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After dropping Monday’s opener to the Twins – following a nasty delay between the top and bottom of the ninth – the Red Sox got right back on the horse.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Nearly 200 pounds of disgusting mats and fur was removed, which equates to an average of 1.5 pounds per dog.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
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There is no way around it: Toilet brushes are disgusting.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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This was obvious in their defining performances — the wretched FA Cup semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace and the failure to qualify for the Champions League at Old Trafford were prime examples.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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His otherwise incomparable legacy will forever be stained by his hateful remarks about Black people.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Late in the episode, Cartman calls off his suicide attempt after Butters helps convince him that there’s always hope for a return to the world where Cartman’s hateful trollery will again be a minority voice pushing back against the mainstream.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
24 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Scummy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scummy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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