UNPALATABLE Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

unpalatable

adjective

ˌən-ˈpa-lə-tə-bəl

Definition of unpalatable

as in unappetizing

disagreeable or disgusting to the sense of taste pasta and honey is an unpalatable combination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses hesitated before sharing some of the more unpalatable details of his captivity

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 unpalatable That’s a crucial difference many in Hollywood say will keep California less competitive than other locations, though such a provision is likely unpalatable in the broader state Legislature. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 For decades, Mamdani’s predecessors have found the only choice more politically unpalatable than letting the whole three-layer cake of infrastructure crumble away is trying to stop it from crumbling. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026 To be sure, raising the payroll tax might be politically unpalatable for lawmakers, who would almost certainly face pushback from businesses and employees, experts note. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 17 June 2026 Planing peppermint plants, garlic, and bright florals like daffodils and marigolds are options to keep squirrels away from their bright colors and unpalatable taste and odor. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpalatable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpalatable

Adjective

This results in a watery, unappetizing texture, according to Southern Living.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
The sugars react during high-heat cooking, causing potatoes to brown excessively and develop an unappetizing dark color or blotchy brown patches.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of unappetizing

Adjective

From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Adapted by Duffield and Daniel Kraus from Kraus’ 2023 novel, this spectacularly unpleasant underwater adventure delivers on its premise with effects that are graphic, fascinating, and occasionally beautiful.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpleasant

Adjective

Tyson is at once scary, funny, personable, distasteful, introspective, superficial, articulate and incoherent.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Even more distasteful was their decision to flee to a country home while costarring in the movie 21 Days, essentially abandoning Olivier’s son and Leigh’s daughter, Suzanne.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of distasteful

Adjective

The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.

— Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

Definition of unpleasing

Adjective

There’s a big data center that just came to my community not long ago and their community engagement was horrible, absolutely horrible.

— Dustin DeSoto, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
After the third day of squirting an experimental drug up his nose, Dylan Meetze felt horrible.

— Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

And now those still left in the battered city along Ukraine's southeastern front face death from hunger or disease as another harsh winter looms, with no agreement in sight for even a humanitarian evacuation.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Despite low winds and little rain, harsh surf continues to wreak havoc along Southern California's coastal communities.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of harsh

Adjective

But a curious new release in 2025, about the unsavory world of online scalpers, finally tipped him back towards the project.

— J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2026
The late Wolf had a reputation as an unsavory character, having been convicted of arson in 1969, and also later serving prison time for attempting to evade taxes.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsavory

Browse Nearby Words

unpalatability

unpalatable

unparalleled

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“Unpalatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpalatable. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unpalatable

adjective

Example Sentences

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