UNETHICAL Synonyms: 188 Similar and Opposite Words

unethical

adjective

ˌən-ˈe-thi-kəl

Definition of unethical

as in immoral

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable unethical treatment of prisoners of war that was a clear violation of international law

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ruthless

not guided by or showing a concern for what is right an unethical attorney, he had no qualms about getting off clients who he knew were guilty

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 unethical And that, in turn, has attracted some unethical providers who use predatory practices to keep patients, particularly out-of-state residents, in a treatment loop. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 In another nod to Scream, Cheri Oteri parodies Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers as the comically unethical news anchor Gail Hailstorm. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026 The fashion waste is one thing, but the unethical standards is the biggest thing for me. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Cobalt supply chains are plagued by unethical mining practices in remote regions worldwide, and the material itself poses a notable safety hazard due to its tendency to catch fire or short-circuit when overcharged. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unethical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unethical

Adjective

Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Definition of immoral

Adjective

Neill was magnetic as the ruthless CI Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders—an antagonist and romantic rival of Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, who has a tournament-high five assists, were also kept quiet by the ruthless Spaniards.

— Mark Hodge, NBC news, 15 July 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

Since the tournament began, police have declared unlawful assemblies twice, including late July 5, when a crowd began throwing bottles at officers.

— Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Opponents counter that California already bars unlawful firearm manufacturing with 3-D printers, and that ghost gun recoveries have declined since the state adopted a series of new laws and enforcement efforts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of unlawful

Adjective

In addition to the Griffins’ evil-genius toddler son, MacFarlane will voice Bean, Stewie’s man-of-very-few-words classmate who was dropped on his head one too many times.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 July 2026
With the franchise’s trademark blend of extreme gore and dark humor, the Evil Dead backstory centers on the ancient Book of the Dead that unleashes supernatural evil forces and twists victims into sadistic, shape-shifting, near-invincible monsters.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 21 July 2026

Definition of evil

Adjective

My prescribed low-carb, caffeine-free diet sounded horrifying on paper, but my sinful pleasures were replaced with a tasty, high-quality, and healthy alternative that left me more energized.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026

Definition of sinful

Adjective

Harbaugh had tense standoffs with legacy defenders Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs and, during the 2012 season, held a sitdown with his players to address their vicious and personal attacks on his approach.

— Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The film also shows Maddox and her father in a vicious argument inside her car that illustrates the fracturing of their once-close bond.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of vicious

Adjective

Shouldn’t Tamra take that as a sign to repair her relationships with the women rather than alienate the one person who is willing to look past her bad behavior?

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
That statistic shows that hotels did worse with the World Cup than without it initially.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Definition of bad

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unessential

unethical

unethically

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“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unethical. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of unethical

adjective

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