Synonyms of ugly

ugly

adjective

ˈə-glē 

1

as in hideous

unpleasant to look at

her first attempt at painting was pretty ugly—a portrait of her sister that was not at all flattering

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hideous
• grotesque
• unpleasing
• disgusting
• awful
• unattractive
• monstrous
• horrible
• unsightly
• unappealing
• vile
• unlovely
• homely
• unbeautiful
• unpretty
• uncomely
• ill-favored
• sickening
• appalling
• repulsive
• unhandsome
• dreadful
• loathsome
• abominable
• horrid
• revolting
• gross
• repugnant
• repellent
• abhorrent
• nauseating
• plain
• distasteful
• nauseous
• frumpy
• noisome
• unbecoming
• unaesthetic
• unshapely
• frumpish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• beautiful
• attractive
• pretty
• handsome
• gorgeous
• lovely
• cute
• aesthetic
• stunning
• good-looking
• fair
• beauteous
• ravishing
• comely
• goodly
• drop-dead
• seemly
• knockout
• fetching
• shapely
• taking
• impressive
• sightly
• bonny
• well-favored
• imposing
• prepossessing

2

as in disgusting

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment

an ugly suggestion for controlling the overpopulation of deer in the area

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disgusting
• awful
• horrible
• hideous
• sickening
• obnoxious
• shocking
• obscene
• dreadful
• offensive
• nasty
• unpleasant
• evil
• gross
• repulsive
• horrid
• loathsome
• terrible
• appalling
• abominable
• gruesome
• odious
• revolting
• horrific
• horrendous
• repugnant
• scandalous
• abhorrent
• distasteful
• noxious
• undesirable
• repellent
• foul
• nauseating
• rancid
• nauseous
• noisome
• disturbing
• vile
• fulsome
• unwanted
• hateful
• monstrous
• miserable
• objectionable
• disagreeable
• grim
• horrifying
• detestable
• contemptible
• unhealthy
• despicable
• sick
• ghastly
• heinous
• brackish
• unwholesome
• atrocious
• unwelcome
• nightmarish
• lousy
• unspeakable
• frightful
• grisly
• sickly
• hard
• unsavory
• uncivilized
• lurid
• exceptionable
• barbarous
• execrable
• macabre
• dislikable
• ungodly
• upsetting
• unholy
• distressing
• sickish
• unchristian
• off-putting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• innocuous
• attractive
• acceptable
• desirable
• pleasant
• sweet
• nice
• delightful
• delicious
• inoffensive
• alluring
• appealing
• agreeable
• welcome
• enjoyable
• dreamy
• satisfying
• darling
• luscious
• heavenly
• pleasing
• congenial
• likable
• pleasurable
• gratifying
• delectable
• palatable
• blessed
• inviting
• felicitous
• savory
• dulcet
• unobjectionable
• healthy
• unexceptionable
• wholesome
• healthful
• delightsome
• salutary
• salubrious
• restorative

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ugly

One of her earliest television roles was as one of the ugly stepsisters in the 1957 TV production of Cinderella with Julie Andrews — whom Ghostley would reunite with onscreen as part of The Julie Andrews Hour in 1972. — Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026

Saturdays on the couch before the widescreen with beer, chicken wings and cheese dip might also be the best way to escape our ugly, chaotic politics. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026

Yes, things can get ugly when money is involved, but usually, money just reveals the inequity or lack of honesty that was already there in the dynamic. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026

Kalif Raymond had six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown as Chicago (2-1) rebounded from an ugly 9-3 loss to Minnesota. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026