1
as in distasteful
disagreeable or disgusting to the sense of taste
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in immoral
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable
unsavory doings that ruined the couple's good name in the community
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
hated the whole unsavory business of firing people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in bland
lacking in taste or flavor
the unsavory food dished up at the rest area's restaurant should be consumed only by the truly desperate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsavory
Americans still considered spying on adversaries unsavory, but their government simply wasn’t doing that much of it.
—
James Santel, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
As promised, High Commander Wharton (Josh Charles) has closed Jezebel's, circumventing the rebellion's plot to massacre Gilead's most unsavory leaders.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 May 2025
The reporters decided to publish Cohen’s name to illustrate the unsavory methods political operatives utilize to badmouth opponents.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
What critics once dismissed as crypto’s unsavory use case has evolved into its most compelling product market fit.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
James Santel, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
As promised, High Commander Wharton (Josh Charles) has closed Jezebel's, circumventing the rebellion's plot to massacre Gilead's most unsavory leaders.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 May 2025
The reporters decided to publish Cohen’s name to illustrate the unsavory methods political operatives utilize to badmouth opponents.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
What critics once dismissed as crypto’s unsavory use case has evolved into its most compelling product market fit.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
-
There’s nothing wrong with the latter, but there is something distasteful about pursuing it under the guise of being a nonprofit organization.—
Parmy Olson,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2025
-
His style was distasteful and inappropriate, to be sure, but the choice to protect a teammate who is so routinely mocked by fans and opposing players alike (see below) was noticed and appreciated within the Timberwolves’ locker room.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Researchers also noted the chatbot engaging in other potentially disturbing—though not necessarily immoral—behavior.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
24 May 2025
-
Suggesting that being out of work is immoral, as opposed to the conditions that contribute to people’s ability to work and live, might be a more appropriate source of anxiety.—
Lauren Coulman,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Best Smelling Photograph: Kristin Canning Grand Tongo Green Tea + Mint Insect Repellent $15 Amazon After testing nearly 20 different bug sprays (that pretty much all smelled at least a little unpleasant and chemical-y), this picaridin spray from Grand Tongo truly blew me away.—
Kristin Canning,
Wired News,
21 May 2025
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Today after dropping off groceries, my wife noted that the refrigerator, in her opinion, had an unpleasant odor.—
Eric Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Harrison confidently adopts the take-no-prisoners physicality that makes Zephyr a worthy foe for Tucker, but her line readings are bland, doing nothing to enliven the basic script by Nick Lepard.—
Esther Zuckerman,
IndieWire,
17 May 2025
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Bonnin serves up the same kind of comfort food Cécile’s parents serve to their truckers, easy to enjoy but ultimately a bit bland.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Even if Cameron is fortunate enough to avert further unrest, the menu for the remainder of his term remains an unappetizing mix of austerity and vague appeals for moral renewal.—
Jonathan Hopkin,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Aug. 2011
-
Despite their unappetizing taste and tough texture, Osage orange fruits may still offer surprising benefits.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Of note: Your Content must not be false, defamatory, misleading or hateful, or infringe any copyright or any other third-party rights or otherwise be unlawful.—
Will Matsuda,
New York Times,
23 May 2025
-
The court concluded that the administration’s unilateral actions without approval by Congress were unlawful.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Smears on non-sensor areas of the tiara are like bug debris on your hood, aesthetically unpleasing but not harmful.—
Eric Tegler,
Popular Mechanics,
1 Oct. 2019
-
His side's inability to finish off the game against Burnley on the other hand was very unpleasing.—
SI.com,
SI.com,
1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
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While Paul is still remarkably good for someone at his experience level, the novelty of his act has been wearing thin.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
And was there ever, complete with Angus Young, knobby knees and thin ankles, scampering, duck-walking and hopping from place to place.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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