OpenSynonym

nasty

/ˈnæsti/

NOUN

1. Something unpleasant or objectionable

A person, thing, or situation that is unpleasant, offensive, objectionable, or disagreeable.

1.1. An unpleasant or objectionable thing

Something that causes disgust, discomfort, or strong disapproval because of its unpleasant or offensive nature.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The abandoned building was full of nasties that nobody wanted to touch.

Related Words

  • disagreeable thing
  • unpleasant experience
  • objectionable matter

NOUN

2. Sexual intercourse

A colloquial or euphemistic expression referring to sexual intercourse.

2.1. Sexual activity

An informal or euphemistic reference to sexual intercourse.

Synonyms

  • sex
  • sexual intercourse
  • copulation
  • coitus

Related Words

NOUN

3. A film considered objectionable or offensive

A video, especially a horror film, regarded as excessively violent or disturbing and considered unsuitable for viewers.

3.1. Controversial horror film

A horror or exploitation film regarded as excessively violent, graphic, or disturbing, particularly in the British expression video nasty.

Synonyms

  • horror film
  • video horror
  • exploitation film
  • gore film

Examples

  • The controversial film was labeled a video nasty because of its graphic violence.

Related Words

  • video nasty
  • censorship
  • violent film
  • obscene material

ADJECTIVE

4. Dirty or filthy

Covered with dirt, filth, or contamination; unpleasantly unclean.

4.1. Dirty or unclean condition

Describes something covered with dirt, grime, or impurities, or something that is extremely unpleasant because it lacks cleanliness.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The restaurant received a bad review because of its nasty kitchen.
  • The children refused to enter the nasty, filthy basement.

Related Words

  • contaminated
  • polluted
  • muddy
  • grimy
  • unsanitary

ADJECTIVE

5. Contemptible or unpleasant in character

Deserving contempt or dislike because of objectionable, disagreeable, or morally unacceptable qualities.

5.1. Contemptible or despicable person

Describes someone whose character or behavior is offensive, dishonorable, or deserving of strong disapproval.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He was known as a nasty person who treated everyone with contempt.

Related Words

5.2. Generally unpleasant or disagreeable

Describes a person or thing that causes discomfort, displeasure, or an unfavorable reaction.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The medicine had a nasty taste that lingered long after swallowing it.

Related Words

  • irritating
  • disturbing
  • discomforting
  • repugnant
  • unwelcome

ADJECTIVE

6. Spiteful or unkind

Showing deliberate unkindness, hostility, or a desire to hurt or upset another person.

6.1. Unkind or mean behavior

Describes someone who behaves rudely, cruelly, or without consideration for other people's feelings.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She gave him a nasty look after he spilled coffee on her shirt.
  • He was known for his nasty habit of interrupting others during meetings.

Related Words

6.2. Insulting or verbally hostile

Describes remarks, comments, or language intended to hurt, offend, or humiliate someone.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The argument took a nasty turn when insults were exchanged between the two parties.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

7. Indecent or sexually offensive

Obscene, lewd, or morally offensive, especially in relation to sexual content or behavior.

7.1. Obscene or sexually explicit

Describes language, images, or behavior that is sexually explicit, indecent, or considered socially unacceptable.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The comedian was criticized for making nasty jokes during the family event.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

8. Awkward or difficult to navigate

Difficult, troublesome, or hazardous to deal with, handle, or move through.

8.1. Difficult or tricky situation

Describes a situation, problem, or task that is complicated, challenging, or difficult to manage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The negotiation became nasty when neither side was willing to compromise.

Related Words

8.2. Dangerous or hazardous to navigate

Describes a route, obstacle, or physical condition that is difficult or dangerous to pass through or handle.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The hikers had to cross a nasty stretch of rocky terrain.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

9. Grave or dangerous

Serious, severe, or potentially harmful, especially when describing an accident, illness, injury, or other adverse event.

9.1. Serious accident or injury

Describes an accident, injury, or physical condition that is severe and may have serious consequences.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The driver suffered a nasty injury in the accident.

Related Words

9.2. Severe illness or condition

Describes an illness, infection, or medical condition that is particularly serious, painful, or difficult to recover from.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He developed a nasty infection after the injury.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

10. Formidable, terrific, or exceptionally impressive

Used informally to describe something or someone as exceptionally powerful, impressive, or formidable; sometimes expressing admiration.

10.1. Formidable or powerful

Describes someone or something that is exceptionally strong, capable, or difficult to challenge.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The team faced a nasty opponent in the final match.

Related Words

10.2. Terrific or exceptionally good

Used in informal speech to express admiration for something exceptionally impressive, skillful, or effective.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The player delivered a nasty performance that left the crowd amazed.

Related Words