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distasteful

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fəl How to pronounce distasteful (audio)
Definition of distastefulnext
1
as in unpalatable
disagreeable or disgusting to the sense of taste cod-liver oil is so distasteful that it's worse than anything it cures

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses concerned mothers who find some recent musical trends distasteful

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3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment the distasteful nature of his job as a bill collector

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 distasteful South Florida beaches have been inundated by waves of sargassum in recent weeks — while visually distasteful to some, the seaweed is not usually harmful to humans, and occupies a critical niche in marine ecosystems. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Even comedian Shane Gillis, who's been in hot water for his own distasteful jokes, wasn't a fan of Hokit's words. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 But there’s a difference between popular entertainment and what Trump is planning, which many citizens find distasteful—and is thus unsuited for a jubilee meant to unite us. — Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 That brinkmanship play was distasteful back then, but the leaders picked a lane and pursued it. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distasteful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distasteful
  1. unpalatable
  2. unpleasant
  3. disgusting
  4. unappetizing
  5. unpleasing
  6. ugly
  7. horrible
  8. harsh
Adjective
  • This concentration of wealth and innovation force unpalatable decisions onto middle powers.
    — Wal van Lierop, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That’s a crucial difference many in Hollywood say will keep California less competitive than other locations, though such a provision is likely unpalatable in the broader state Legislature.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unpalatable
Adjective
  • Self-interrogation, of course, is often unpleasant and is not a prescription that is likely to sell many books.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • There was a lot of work on the medical cases to make the investigations complex and realistic, but there was also an entry point built around a strong, funny, unpleasant character, completely at odds with her return to her roots.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • These guys are disgusting over the radio in the heat of battle.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The wealth disparity and how competitive sports enables opportunity hoarding is just disgusting.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • This results in a watery, unappetizing texture, according to Southern Living.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sugars react during high-heat cooking, causing potatoes to brown excessively and develop an unappetizing dark color or blotchy brown patches.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of unappetizing
Adjective
  • The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Definition of unpleasing
Adjective
  • But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Especially if ugly seasons like last year pile up and the problem continues to snowball.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of harsh

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Cite this Entry

“Distasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distasteful. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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