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 next

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disgusting

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

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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

Larsson promptly picked up his fourth foul 2:40 into the third quarter and finished with four points (one for five shooting) and five rebounds in 14 minutes. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 The main consideration when purchasing a ginkgo tree is to buy a male tree, as the fruits of female trees produce a foul odor. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

Jrue Holiday committed a costly late-game turnover and fouled Trae Young with the Celtics up two, allowing the Hawks star to tie the game with free throws. —

Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 The first three of those points came at the free throw line, after Duncan Robinson fouled Lillard on a three-point shot, a call upheld on replay. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for foul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foul

Adjective

The book explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Bill Hader says Ye would tell cast 'on the regular' that Saturday Night Live was 'incredibly unfunny' The development comes in the midst of an turbulent month for the rapper-slash-fashionista.

— Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025