ugly

adjective

ˈə-glē How to pronounce ugly (audio)
Definition of uglynext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 ugly In fact, the Clippers (1-5), Kings (0-6) and Jazz (1-5) entered Monday with an ugly combined record of 2-16 this season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026 The wings were awkward and ugly, tipped with crooked, writhing little hands, the outstretched skin loose and shivering between its fingers. — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026 An ugly fight between teammates during training camp was a terrible start to a season that officially began with a loss against North Carolina, a game in Dublin that TCU essentially sold, against the desires of Dykes. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026 The chaos was a fitting end to one of the ugliest elections in recent years, said Paulo César de Oliveira in Correio da Manhã (Rio de Janeiro). — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ugly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ugly
  1. hideous
  2. disgusting
  3. grotesque
  4. awful
  5. unpleasing
  6. horrible
  7. unattractive
  8. sickening
Adjective
  • In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The greatest player in the world was reduced to the role of supporting actor by Stan Wawrinka, who delivered a masterclass of a performance in possibly the most hideous shorts ever seen on a tennis court.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hideous
Adjective
  • Everyone starts tasting the varied, apparently disgusting, bottles.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The third branch of government did its job, and that should be a welcome sight for all Americans given the disgusting and dangerous attacks on our democracy by the federal government.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • Tariffs and trade wars, Canada-bashing, Europe-bashing, the betrayal of Ukraine and embrace of Vladimir Putin, the grotesque self-enrichment of himself and his circle, the unleashing of an armed militia of ICE goons on our streets.
    — Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The idea shows up in mythology—from Zeus transforming into every kind of animal to commit adultery to Psyche being warned that her new husband, Eros, would be grotesque—as well as in folklore and countless retellings of Beauty and the Beast.
    — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of grotesque
Adjective
  • Losing to the Tampa Bay Bucs starting an undrafted rookie quarterback was awful, and gagging the home game in overtime to the Awful Arizona Cardinals was worse; coming back in the fourth quarter to beat the Colts is almost just as bad.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The only sign his group was listening to the awful things their friend/boss/son was being accused of was the very active facial expressions of Brand’s wife, Laura.
    — Luke Jones, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of awful
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
  • Their monthlong travel by ship was under horrible conditions.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the fire was horrible, Hong said some blessings have emerged from the tragedy.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The short, prickly needles make junipers unattractive to deer, unlike, for example, deer-magnet arborvitaes.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The Zagato design house has lent its skills to many an Aston Martin models over the years, and none of the cars created by the partnership have been unattractive by any stretch.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of unattractive
Adjective
  • Advertisement In Brazil and South America, outbreaks of a fungus that causes a disfiguring and sometimes fatal skin disease have been sickening cats, dogs, and people.
    — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026
  • And, of course, leave it to Zendaya to add some sickening vintage to the WNBA Finals.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of sickening

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ugliness
ugly
ukase
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Cite this Entry

“Ugly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ugly. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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