SCUMMY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

scummy

adjective

Definition of scummy

as in dirty

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust the jury was disgusted by the scummy behavior of the defendant in the courtroom

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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 scummy The Hapsburg Inspector General, the equivalent of the food inspector darkening the doorway of a scummy restaurant? — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 Clean outdoor water features with vinegar or other fungus-fighting ingredients to help prevent water from getting scummy. — The Spruce, 2 July 2026 Dane DeHaan excels as Cole, a scummy hacker who makes a living draining bank accounts. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 The wild sci-fi elements, such as scummy aliens and wacky monsters, will likely remind audiences of a Marvel effort, namely Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 Does that kind of discourse-friendly success override the fact that Euphoria is too young, too scummy, and too dumb to fit into the usual Emmy pattern? — Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026 Clean Glass Shower Doors Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and mix in a few drops of lemon juice to create a solution that will go to work on scummy glass shower doors and walls. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scummy

Adjective

The dogs, according to the charges, had dirty water and their fur was stained with urine and feces.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Fourth, the handle needed to be patterned for a secure grip even in dirty, wet conditions, so checkering or deep ribbing was added to the alloy metal.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of dirty

Adjective

Taylor Farms says 40% of salad kits sold at grocery stores come from the company, giving it a massive role in supplying a convenient and cheap vegetable option for many shoppers.

— Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Successful validation Sodium is cheap, abundant, and chemically similar to lithium.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheap

Adjective

Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.

— Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.

— Hector Vickers, New York Times, 21 June 2026

Definition of pitiful

Adjective

Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.

— James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nasty

Adjective

There is real hope of a postseason push, with the disgusting state of the American League leaving the door open for any team that dares to play well.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
This whole situation is discriminatory, disgusting, and quite frankly, Orwellian.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of disgusting

Adjective

One of college football’s ugliest offseasons of wretched headlines is nearly over.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
But this was ultimately a positive season for United, after their wretched end to the previous season under Ralf Rangnick.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wretched

Adjective

Grabs a ketchup bottle and garnishes his face, before squirting mustard into his hateful, piggish eyes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Doukoure characterized Tuesday's rhetoric as hateful but said CAIR and members of the Muslim community have become accustomed to being targeted because of their advocacy.

— Gino Vicci, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of hateful

Browse Nearby Words

scumbags

scummy

scums

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“Scummy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scummy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scummy

adjective

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