sleaze

noun

ˈslēz How to pronounce sleaze (audio)
also ˈslāz
Synonyms of sleazenext
1
: sleazy quality, appearance, or behavior
also : sleazy material
2
: a sleazy person

Synonyms of sleaze

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Examples of sleaze in a Sentence

some sleaze will try to make a buck off of this tragedy a real sleaze who is constantly mooching off friends, and friends of friends
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Why tired-girl makeup outlasted its viral moment Trendalytics reports tired-girl makeup searches are up 214% year over year, with indie sleaze makeup rising 80% in social buzz over the same period. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 The aesthetic borrows from grunge and indie sleaze, blending undone eyeliner with pale, textured skin. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Not that director Kate Dolan and her co-writer Rafael Jordan aren’t up to the task of crafting a slick erotic thriller reminiscent of ‘80s and ‘90s sleaze shockers, updated to the AI era to center on a fembot gone wild. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Matt Lucas and Marina Prior’s Thénardiers are boisterous and charming — more amiable sleazes than menacing scumbags, if that tracks. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sleaze

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from sleazy

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleaze was in 1948

Phrases Containing sleaze

Rhymes for sleaze

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Browse Nearby Words

sleave silk
sleaze
sleazebag
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Cite this Entry

“Sleaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleaze. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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