Synonyms for
Foul
Definition
Foul means unpleasant or offensive, usually related to smell, taste, or behavior.
Synonyms & similar words
disgusting
cruddy
disgustful
revolting
repellent
fetid
congest
defile
stinking
yucky
loathly
repelling
contaminate
loathsome
foulsmelling
foetid
wicked
noisome
unsportsmanlike
dirty
pollute
distasteful
markedup
chokeoff
skanky
disgusting
offensive
nasty
repugnant
revolting
fetid
putrid
rank
vile
stinky
smelly
nauseating
sickening
obnoxious
unpleasant
horrible
awful
terrible
filthy
dirty
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- foul play
- foul mood
- foul language
- foul smell
- foul ball
- foul temper
- foul deed
Word family
Usage note
As an adjective, 'foul' often describes something morally wrong or extremely unpleasant. As a verb, it can mean to pollute or to commit an offense in sports.
Example sentences
- The trash can had a foul odor that made me gag.
- The baseball player committed a foul by hitting the ball out of bounds.
- The chef accidentally added too much salt, making the soup taste foul.
- The soccer player received a yellow card for committing a foul against the opposing team.
- The swamp was filled with foul creatures and plants.
Quotes
'You talk like a skinned cat,' he said finally. 'All this talk about foul play.' - Agatha Christie
'The world is a foul sty, life is a vomit, and nothing remains but to grow fat and die.' - Francois Rabelais
'We must not indulge in unfavorable views of mankind, since by doing it we make bad men believe they are no worse than others, and we teach the good that they are good in vain.' - Walter Savage Landor