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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsavory
In recent weeks, complaints have been filed against Temu and Shein in the EU, accusing them of unsavory business tactics.
—
Dylan Butts, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Not surprisingly, a model trained in this matter, such as the original GPT-3, can generate responses that drift in eccentric directions, perhaps even into dangerous or unsavory territory.
—Cal Newport, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
The dinner, critics argued, compounded that risk by making the unsavory arrangement explicit: a large investment in return for an encounter with Trump.
—Joel Khalili, Wired News, 23 May 2025
In the end, modern pressures, such as the cost of transporting horses, an unsavory incident at the Tokyo Olympics where a coach allegedly punched a horse, and the need to draw a wider TV audience combined to force UPIM’s hand.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Dylan Butts, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Not surprisingly, a model trained in this matter, such as the original GPT-3, can generate responses that drift in eccentric directions, perhaps even into dangerous or unsavory territory.
—Cal Newport, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
The dinner, critics argued, compounded that risk by making the unsavory arrangement explicit: a large investment in return for an encounter with Trump.
—Joel Khalili, Wired News, 23 May 2025
In the end, modern pressures, such as the cost of transporting horses, an unsavory incident at the Tokyo Olympics where a coach allegedly punched a horse, and the need to draw a wider TV audience combined to force UPIM’s hand.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
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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
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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
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In the age of print, Hamburg was the birthplace of magazine publishing, and Paris the birthplace of the literary review and the gossip rag; but restless, immoral London was where the advice column first transformed people’s private lives into object lessons for ethical behavior.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
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The film gathers immoral cops, ruthless women and corrupt politicians to complete the world of populist cinema based in hinterlands of India.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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There are some cool moments here, but the overall effect is unpleasant.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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People did not bathe much in those days and by spreading herbs that released pleasant aromas when walked upon, unpleasant odors could be disguised.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The technology could actually pressure speakers to focus on practical, actionable content rather than bland, general advice.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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What used to signal timelessness and functionality has become shorthand for bland, forgettable and often disposable.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
Think eggs to order but fiction, served on the same plate as the most unappetizing breakfast imaginable.—
Elisabeth Egan,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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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
Adjective
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Nonetheless, this latest ruling may embolden such plaintiffs in California and elsewhere to assert unlawful discrimination claims with greater confidence and, perhaps, greater frequency.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 June 2025
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She was convicted in 1995 on nine charges, including conspiracy to remove body parts and unlawful authorization of the removal of eyes, hearts, lungs and brains from corpses.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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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There is some thought that Epenesa could be an expendable player via trade ahead of final cuts, but that would leave them fairly thin given that Hoecht is suspended for the first six games and Bosa has a lengthy injury history, and already has one minor injury to his name since joining the Bills.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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