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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
In a filing on Friday, Lively’s team opposed extending the deposition deadline to accommodate a deposition of Swift, questioning the relevance of her testimony and accusing Baldoni’s lawyers of causing unnecessary delay.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Source The Canadian Rockies source delivers crisp, natural spring water untouched by unnecessary treatment, while the bottle design introduces a modern convenience that elevates the experience far beyond hydration.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These particular coffee-shop customers picked the wrong day to be rude, though.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the Lions give a rude welcome back to Ben Johnson, while the 49ers run over the Saints.—
Vic Tafur,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Fans think Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s abrupt breakup makes a whole lot more sense after watching the actor’s latest TikTok video.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
12 Sep. 2025
-
An investigative series about the abrupt closure of a Miami heart transplant program led Michelle and her colleagues to be recognized as finalists in two 2024 Florida Sunshine State Award categories.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Adam22, however, posted a satirical take on the challenge that many found disrespectful.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Not a single disrespectful word passed between us.—
Ron Mix,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Boiled down to a thoughtless pervert by the public, Six became one.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
-
In the days depicted in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, thoughtless incarceration of the mentally ill was too common.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
But, even though there was nothing the slightest bit ungracious or ungenerous about her performance, it was felt more like the audience being asked to come to her.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Trump, in turn, canceled the additional metals tariff, reverting to his original 25 percent imposition, and then took his predictably ungracious victory lap.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The main point is to avoid being discourteous of the people behind us by letting the door close in their respective faces.—
R. Eric Thomas,
The Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But its lessons may be useful in these unsteady days, too, with our own uncivil Court.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
27 July 2025
-
At the same time, uncivil language can deepen divisions and make people lose trust in democratic processes.—
Yu-Ru Lin,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share