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
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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
The licenses included rules that providers called unethical, including mandatory pelvic exams for women.
—
arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
In the late 1970s, after a traumatic event on their honeymoon, a struggling couple visit an experimental and borderline unethical memory research facility.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Endorsing or opposing board candidates is outside the vendor role and is unethical — neutrality is required.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
More to Read May 27, 2025 Voices Hiltzik: RFK Jr.’s plans for vaccine testing are highly unethical and a danger to your health.
—Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unethical
arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
In the late 1970s, after a traumatic event on their honeymoon, a struggling couple visit an experimental and borderline unethical memory research facility.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Endorsing or opposing board candidates is outside the vendor role and is unethical — neutrality is required.
—Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
More to Read May 27, 2025 Voices Hiltzik: RFK Jr.’s plans for vaccine testing are highly unethical and a danger to your health.
—Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unethical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unethical
Adjective
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The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910, is a federal law that prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of individuals for prostitution or other immoral activities.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
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What Ukraine needs now is the time, tools, and space to prove to the Kremlin that an occupation is not just immoral but incompatible with Russia’s long-term security needs.—
Michael Carpenter,
Foreign Affairs,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Son Hee is one half of a ruthless twin assassin duo, working alongside his brother Bacho.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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Her 6-0, 6-0 rout at the hands of a ruthless Iga Świątek was a reminder that no sport is more psychologically brutal than tennis.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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First, opponents argued that the rule was unlawful and that Congress would need to amend the statute to implement the changes proposed by DHS in its rule.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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He was arrested at 12:22 a.m. Friday for misdemeanor unlawful speeding and driving under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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Rachel and Ray need to go on the run after Ray’s investigation into a corrupt pharmaceutical executive puts their live in peril.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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And then reality crashes down around them in a series of scenes that expose the cruel hypocrisy of Iran’s corrupt system (which purports to uphold morality, but allows men in positions of authority to indulge themselves in egregious ways).—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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From the twins and their parents to evil fiancées and housekeepers, the characters have gained a cult following since their release, with some fans using them as inspiration for their outfits, summer mood boards, and interior design.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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Historically, antisemitic conspiracy theories have revolved around the idea that a shadowy and evil Jewish elite secretly controls the world, and ritualistic child abuse is a common trope within them.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Growing up in rural Tennessee, my grandfather learned that certain activities — card playing, smoking, imbibing — were sinful.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 July 2025
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The therapy was the most spiritual, calming and sinful experience of Ingrid’s life.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Over time, this can create a vicious cycle where poor sleep and chronic anxiety feed into each other, creating a loop that damages your well-being.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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There was a scary moment later in the third quarter when Charlotte’s James Banks III hit Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell with a vicious elbow to the face.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The alternative — keeping him around, highly paid and not played — would have been worse.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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So the point is, if things feel especially bad, this is why.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unethical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unethical. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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