1
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
uncalled-for restrictions on freedom of the press during the national emergency
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rude
showing a lack of manners or consideration for others
hurtful remarks about a person's looks that are simply uncalled-for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncalled-for
Don’t sit back and take an uncalled-for beating.
—
Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for.
—Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024
Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024
This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024
The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges.
—Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
The reality star perfectly responded to rude commenters this week who made uncalled-for remarks about her appearance.
—Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Mar. 2023
Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for.
—Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024
Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024
This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024
The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges.
—Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
The reality star perfectly responded to rude commenters this week who made uncalled-for remarks about her appearance.
—Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncalled-for
Adjective
-
Wardens were previously required to provide, as well as cover the cost of, hormonal drugs and medically unnecessary procedures to prisoners who sought to physically alter themselves to appear as the opposite sex.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
-
When the skin barrier is healthy, treatment ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides can work more effectively without triggering unnecessary inflammation or dryness.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Perhaps surprisingly, the unfair pay and rude management didn’t trigger the most significant changes in attitude.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Whether a dish is tied to a long-standing family tradition, cultural heritage, or simply a treasured memory, etiquette experts say there’s nothing rude about choosing to keep certain recipes private.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
As South African film and TV industry workers continued to grapple with the fallout from Canal+’s abrupt decision to shutter homegrown streaming service Showmax this week, one question seemed to be on the lips of every attendee at the JBX market in Johannesburg.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Kansas City Chiefs' decade-long run of playoff appearances came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Not showing up is disrespectful to the American public and counter to our Democracy.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Still, the administration's support for glyphosate is disrespectful of the MAHA movement, said Ken Cook, president and co-founder of the advocacy nonprofit Environmental Working Group.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Scenes meant to convey fondness and dramatic weight instead flatten into thoughtless repetition, as the series’ decades-long dissection of the final girl reveals itself as a stale brand asset.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Karlsson was on the wrong side of the puck all evening, made careless decisions and generally played a thoughtless game.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This person was a guest in your home, and her behavior comes off as ungracious.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Charles’s actions then were interpreted, probably correctly, as a rebuke to Trump for his ungracious treatment of his guest, and also reminded international onlookers that the king remains the most political of monarchs, unafraid to make his favor—or displeasure—known.—
Alexander Larman,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Both mark the progression from civil dialogue to uncivil dialogue to force and fear.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Would that be uncivil and belittling to conservatives?—
Anita Chabria,
Mercury News,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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