1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of unethical
But having begun collaborating with Gran Tierra in 2019, the foundation has now been accused of complicity in sportswashing — using football to redirect attention away from unethical activity.
—
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Hoffman denies having done anything unethical, but the social relationship is close enough, the neo-Brandeisians suggest, to contaminate any idea or figure Hoffman has ever supported.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Critics call the premise dangerous and unethical.
—Elizabeth Dwoskin, Washington Post, 24 May 2026
Healthcare groups including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have said many crisis pregnancy centers use unethical and deceptive practices to bring women into their organizations.
—Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, CBS News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unethical
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Hoffman denies having done anything unethical, but the social relationship is close enough, the neo-Brandeisians suggest, to contaminate any idea or figure Hoffman has ever supported.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Critics call the premise dangerous and unethical.
—Elizabeth Dwoskin, Washington Post, 24 May 2026
Healthcare groups including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have said many crisis pregnancy centers use unethical and deceptive practices to bring women into their organizations.
—Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, CBS News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unethical
Adjective
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Religious practitioners may also regard nonheterosexual orientations or non-cisgender identities as immoral or otherwise inconsistent with their religious beliefs.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
-
Republicans, grow a spine and stop the immoral president.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Serenity Maggie’s (and Sweet Magnolias‘) trip to New York was cut short as Season 5 offered a juxtaposition between small-town values and ruthless big-city corporate culture.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
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Ruffalo will voice Nero, a scrappy black cat, and Fishburne will play Rocco, a ruthless cat mob boss.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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What happens if a landlord charges an unlawful late fee?—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
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London’s High Court ruled that the decision to proscribe the group was unlawful, but has kept the ban in place pending an appeals court ruling due Monday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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There's a corrupt deal happening at the biggest levels among the billionaire class to increase their wealth at the expense of many people are suffering greatly right now.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
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The police are a corrupt institution.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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This is a story devoid of childlike wonder, just the horrific evil men are capable of and the small acts of grace found in unspeakable circumstances.—
Chris Nashawaty,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 June 2026
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Nicholas Galitzine stars as the muscular hero in the new version, which also features Idris Elba as Man-at-Arms Duncan, Camila Mendes as Teela and Jared Leto as the evil wizard Skeletor.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Bowing down and worshiping an idol is sinful.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
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Efficiency is religion, and turnovers are almost sinful.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Firefighters faced vicious winds and, at times, 30-foot flames.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Brunson is at his best when everything is at its worst, blessed with belief that seems at times desperate and determination that can feel almost manic.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
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All of the club’s worst seasons prior to 1965 took place from 1932 and before.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unethical. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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