1
as in ungrateful
not showing gratitude
a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnoticed
not likely to be appreciated by those who benefit
the thankless job of cleaning up after a party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thankless
The dullest focuses on Michael Peña and Zazie Beetz, who puncture the movie with some sharp line reads but are largely wasted in thankless roles as Mark and Janet, two teachers in a strained romantic relationship.
—
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
Aside from Taylor, who feels essential to any future for this play, the other very notable performance comes from Griggs, in something of a thankless role.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
From trad wives to spin classes to caregiving, Smithuijsen reveals how late stage capitalism strips women of agency and traps them in endless cycles of empty consumption and thankless labor.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
For the thankless task of straight man, Reiner won two Emmys.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thankless
Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
Aside from Taylor, who feels essential to any future for this play, the other very notable performance comes from Griggs, in something of a thankless role.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
From trad wives to spin classes to caregiving, Smithuijsen reveals how late stage capitalism strips women of agency and traps them in endless cycles of empty consumption and thankless labor.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
For the thankless task of straight man, Reiner won two Emmys.
—Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thankless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thankless
Adjective
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There has been a lot of talk about families going no contact –– it has been described as a rising trend of ungrateful adult children being cruel to aging parents or a younger generation setting boundaries with parents unwilling to treat their children with respect.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
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On someone else, this nonchalance could seem ungrateful.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Some in Labour say the government's achievements, including protections for renters and a higher minimum wage, are going unnoticed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
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Billions pass through the human body every second unnoticed.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Petrie didn’t only celebrate his own hits but pointed to rival shows like Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK and Prime Video’s Last One Laughing as proof that British comedy is in rude health.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
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Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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An everlasting thank-you card fulfilling the wishes of any mom who may be feeling unappreciated, exhausted, or neglected?—
Erik Adams,
The Atlantic,
10 May 2026
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But that makes Buzz feel unappreciated and the two friends soon clash over who has been deputized to save the day.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Campbell can actually be spotted in a photo at the beginning of the teaser trailer for Send Help (embedded below), as an unappreciative Bradley throws the picture of his parents (the father is Campbell) in a trash can.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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Apparently, the jabs and insults from his unappreciative guest kept coming.—
Gil Macias,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Thankless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thankless. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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