Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unbecoming differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unbecoming are improper, indecorous, indelicate, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When might improper be a better fit than unbecoming?

The words improper and unbecoming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When would indecorous be a good substitute for unbecoming?

The meanings of indecorous and unbecoming largely overlap; however, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When could indelicate be used to replace unbecoming?

The synonyms indelicate and unbecoming are sometimes interchangeable, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When is it sensible to use unseemly instead of unbecoming?

While the synonyms unseemly and unbecoming are close in meaning, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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 unbecoming But again and again, the Quatuor Diotima tore into music of unforced content with unbecoming fury. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 5 Apr. 2022 This dog-run infighting is unbecoming in the presence of a dog that was once painted by Edgar Degas. Curbed, 20 July 2022 The sheriff’s internal review of the Floyd meme concluded that Ritchie engaged in unbecoming conduct, immoral conduct and discrimination. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2022 The Rutgers existence was unbecoming of an NBA franchise. Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbecoming
Adjective
  • That’s as the league continues its investigation of longtime Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by 16 massage therapists as part of an investigation by The Baltimore Banner.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Herro was asked this as well: Is the type of the comment that Garland made inappropriate for a player to say about another player?
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Olivia Heller/The Hustle For-profit developers, for one thing, often find church and synagogue properties unsuitable for redevelopment.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Such glues and taped seams make Gore-tex jackets unsuitable for chemical recycling.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Courts and Compliance In terms of the legal battles over Trump's moves, people widely rejected the administration's accusations of improper judicial interference.
    Gary Langer, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Graham was arrested shortly before 4:45 p.m. and charged with engaging police in pursuit, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of a marker plate, operation without minimum insurance, unsafe passing and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Many patients walk away with incorrect prescriptions.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • If a player guesses incorrect groups of words four times, the game ends, and they are defeated.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But even one in three Republicans said their cost of living was on the wrong track, according to the poll, which surveyed 4,306 U.S. adults nationwide between April 16 and April 21.
    Jason Lange, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Picking the wrong blush can have your cheeks looking overly rosy or chalky.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Its troubles began in 2022 after regulators declared the company unfit to operate its casinos following media reports of money laundering at its properties.
    Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The injunction request stated the premises were unfit for occupancy and owners did not have a valid city business license.
    Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Particularly now that Americans are unhappy with the state of economy.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some 59% of voters are unhappy with how things are going in the country.
    Dana Blanton, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unbecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbecoming. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unbecoming

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