Synonyms for

Dirty

Verb / ˈdɜ:ti: / Another word for dirty — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

covered or marked with an unclean substance or material; morally corrupt or dishonest.

Synonyms & similar words

soiled lousy colly pestiferous illgotten contaminating dingy muddy unsportsmanlike begrime sordid markedup clean soil bemire unclean muddied cheating foul filthy grime unsporting grimy filthy mucky smudged stained soiled sullied unclean contaminated polluted corrupt dishonest immoral indecent lewd naughty obscene offensive vulgar smutty

Synonyms by register

Formal

unclean soiled foul tainted

Informal

grimy mucky filthy scuzzy gross

Literary

sullied besmirched defiled

Antonyms

clean pure spotless immaculate pristine unsullied hygienic

Common collocations

  • dirty water
  • dirty hands
  • dirty laundry
  • dirty secret
  • dirty joke
  • dirty look
  • dirty money

Word family

noun dirt
verb dirty
adjective dirty
adverb dirtily

Usage note

While 'dirty' can refer to physical uncleanliness, it also carries strong negative connotations when used metaphorically for immoral or unethical behavior.

Example sentences

  1. The dogs paws were dirty after playing outside.
  2. My room is dirty and needs to be cleaned.
  3. The river was dirty because of the pollution.
  4. I dont want to wear that shirt because its dirty.
  5. The kitchen was dirty and needed to be cleaned before cooking.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words