dirty word

noun

Definition of dirty wordnext
as in curse
a disrespectful or indecent word or expression I'm afraid I won't be much help on the trip—the only Spanish I know is a handful of dirty words

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dirty word Nuclear was once a dirty word, but its rehabilitation has proceeded much faster than expected. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2026 Today, unfortunately, civics has become a dirty word. — Ken Burns, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 Prohibition has been a dirty word in American public policy since the Twenty-First Amendment passed. — Charles Fain Lehman, The Atlantic, 4 May 2026 In an era when disco was still a dirty word, the foursome fully embraced dance music. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dirty word
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dirty word
  1. curse
  2. swear
  3. language
Noun
  • That was a full-length movie filmed in 2004 when the Red Sox were breaking their storied curse, and included Johnny Damon and other players in cameos.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of curse
Noun
  • The pinky swear proved binding, as Nelson wrote the screenplay within six weeks.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Why fill with swears a show that might otherwise have been appointment viewing for the whole family?
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of swear
Noun
  • From a consideration of apoptosis—the orderly elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells—Solé moves on to failing machines, eroded memories, vanished languages, brittle digital archives, and more.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • High-needs students — defined as those receiving free or reduced price meals, English language learners and students with disabilities — also performed about 10 points below the overall student body in each category.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of language

Browse Nearby Words

dirty tricks
dirty word
dirty words
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Cite this Entry

“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dirty%20word. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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