FOUL Synonyms: 646 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'foul' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When can 'dirty' be used instead of 'foul'?

Although the words dirty and foul have much in common, 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

Q: When could 'filthy' be used to replace 'foul'?

The meanings of filthy and foul largely overlap; however, 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

Q: How is 'nasty' related to other words for 'foul'?

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

Q: When would 'squalid' be a good substitute for 'foul'?

In some situations, the words squalid and foul 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

foul 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfau̇(-ə)l

Definition of foul

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a foul taste that made us gag

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as in turbulent

marked by wet and windy conditions the foul weather brought out the windbreakers and rain slickers as everyone braced for a day of rough sailing

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as in unfair

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport an aggressive hockey player who is known for his foul play and readiness for a fight

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as in obscene

depicting or referring to sexual matters in a way that is unacceptable in polite society that movie features nonstop foul language

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as in stinking

having an unpleasant smell the foul fumes from the paper mill

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as in filthy

not clean I wouldn't play in the foul rainwater that's collected in the feeding trough

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foul

2 of 2

verb

as in to dirty

to make dirty the mechanic fouled the bath towels with axle grease

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as in to pollute

to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable industrial pollution fouling the water supply

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as in to humiliate

to reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes the minister was irreparably fouled by baseless rumors and allegations

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as in to rot

to go through decomposition unless you want to smell the organic refuse as it fouls, locate the compost heap away from the house

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective foul differ from other similar words?

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

Although the words dirty and foul have much in common, 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 foul?

The meanings of filthy and foul largely overlap; however, 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

How is nasty related to other words for foul?

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 would squalid be a good substitute for foul?

In some situations, the words squalid and foul 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 foul

Adjective

Still, Devers got enough barrel on the ball to pull it down the right-field line and clank it off the foul pole, winning free chicken for those in attendance. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 June 2026 After a hard foul and subsequent yellow card by Mohannad Abu Taha, Argentina was set up with a free kick just inches outside the 18-yard box. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2026

Verb

Arraez fouled a ball off the top of his right foot in the bottom of the first inning on Tuesday, immediately dropping to the ground in pain but ultimately staying in the game. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 The center fielder fouled off a pair of 1-2 pitches before sending a high cutter 403 feet to the right-field corner for his first homer since May 20. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul

Adjective

Noah Kahan is speaking out about a disgusting habit picked up by some music fans.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 June 2026
French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026

Definition of disgusting

Adjective

Weaker global markets, which have impacted tech stock valuations, and the turbulent performance of SpaceX’s recent massive IPO were among the top concerns cited by insiders who have made the case that patience is a virtue.

— John Kell, Fortune, 1 July 2026
His confirmation closes one of the most turbulent presidential searches in UF history.

— Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of turbulent

Adjective

Counterculture Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.

— Hillel Italie, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Yippies would turn up at a 1970 Blood, Sweat & Tears show at Madison Square Garden, carrying obscene banners outside and dumping manure by the front gate.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026

Definition of obscene

Adjective

Margera tried to soothe the pain by submerging his fresh brand in a tub of filthy farm water, which resulted in a life-threatening staph infection that landed him in the hospital.

— Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
Outside the Lineage warehouse Thursday morning, the smell of heavy smoke was already being replaced with that of spoiling food and filthy water.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Definition of filthy

Verb

The spoon even comes with measuring lines for a teaspoon and tablespoon, saving you from having to dirty another utensil.

— Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
But as filming continued, Pidgeon appeared to dirty her butter blond with caramel and chocolate shades similar to Bessette-Kennedy’s, thanks to stylist Kari Hill.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026

Definition of dirty

Verb

We’re paralyzed by whether a carbon-belching fossil fuel company’s right to pollute should outweigh the rest of the country’s right to clean air and a stable climate.

— Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Clara Benson, who is one of the founders of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, says bright lights in the area designed to illuminate the border could pollute the skies in an area renowned for having some of the best views of the stars.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of pollute

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“Foul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foul. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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