DISTASTEFUL Synonyms: 186 Similar and Opposite Words

distasteful

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fəl

Definition of distasteful

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses concerned mothers who find some recent musical trends distasteful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disgusting

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Adjective

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously signaled that the White House is cautious about pushing too hard in defiance of the bond market—even if a hold or a hike in the base rate is politically unpalatable.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
Although no plant is 100% animal-proof, some spring-blooming bulbs have toxic or unpalatable self-defenses that deer, rabbits and rodents tend to avoid.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 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

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

Not many filmmakers can create something where moments as ugly as Billy’s scatological lectures coexist so elegantly with moments of honest longing and tragedy (and, in one or two moments, tentative hope).

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
The hate being lobbed at Sheeran is also an unpleasant reminder of the extreme and ugly bullying tactics of the online left.

— Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 16 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

The video, and Ovechkin’s subsequent statements, have sparked harsh criticism in Europe, the United States and Canada, which is part of the NHL.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Beyond biological and nuclear threats, AI companies face harsh organizational incentives to develop AI even faster and — experts say — more recklessly.

— Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of harsh

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“Distasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distasteful. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of distasteful

adjective

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