Synonyms for

Scum

Verb / skʌm / Another word for scum — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a layer of dirt or foam on the surface of a liquid; a worthless or despicable person

Synonyms & similar words

trash dregs sludge filth trash rubbish waste garbage slop sewage slime muck crud lees sediment scoria impurities offal refuse debris detritus

Synonyms by register

Formal

dregs riffraff detritus vermin

Informal

trash garbage lowlifes dirtbags scum of the earth

Literary

mire filth offscouring

Antonyms

elite cream best pick gems virtue

Common collocations

  • scum of the earth
  • scum bag
  • scum bucket
  • scum layer
  • scum removal
  • scum formation
  • scum on water

Word family

noun scum
verb scum

Usage note

Primarily used as a noun referring to a worthless or contemptible person or group, or a layer of unpleasant matter on a liquid surface. The informal sense carries a strong negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The scum on the pond made it hard to fish.
  2. My neighbor is a scum who never returns my tools.
  3. I need to scum the soup before serving it.
  4. The scum in the sink was gross.
  5. The scum in the swimming pool needed to be cleaned out.

Quotes

  • 'When humanity reaches the point when a handful of people are in control of the world, scum rises to the top.' - Jean-Marie Le Pen
  • 'We must weed out the scum from our ranks and ensure that those who remain are loyal to the emperor.' - Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • 'I'm just a scum queen in a scum dream.' - Courtney Love

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