dirty word

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

More than 100 days into Ms. Rodríguez’s new job, freedom is still a dirty word for the government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

"I know there are many who use 'socialist' as a dirty word, something to be ashamed of," the 34-year-old told a packed room in Queens.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, recently tweeted that “fact-check” had become a dirty word.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2025

For some in this new build community, the name of the developer - Bellway - has become a dirty word.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2024

His mother frowned, like she wasn't sure whether that counted as a dirty word.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell