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unpleasant

adjective

ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
Definition of unpleasantnext
as in unpleasing
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses the burnt pot roast had a very unpleasant odor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unpleasant Since these ships will be operating in the North Atlantic, hijacking is extremely unlikely, and anyone breaking into a reactor vessel in port would suffer a very fast and unpleasant end. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 There’s no outrageous violence or unpleasant caricatures, and the 157-minute runtime feels breezy. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 Discard soy sauce that smells unpleasant, has a sour taste, or contains mold. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Cedarwood Oil Cedarwood is another essential oil with an unpleasant smell to mice as well as other pests. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpleasant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpleasant
  1. unpleasing
  2. harsh
  3. bad
  4. nasty
  5. ugly
  6. bitter
  7. sour
  8. horrible
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
  • Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Jeffrey Katzenberg, then a studio executive at Paramount Pictures, hand-picked the Happy Days star for the job, but at the time, Winkler had a bad feeling about accepting it.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • How many of us make things worse More seasoned Internet users—a fair number who read this site—are quick to dismiss the attack.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • And then on Sunday, next to Granada’s imposing Alhambra fortress, Kuss — providing there are no nasty surprises — will complete his third Grand Tour in a row.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In his nasty hands, every canvas was an indictment, a history painting with its gloves off.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • But the core four aren’t the only transplants from Woodsboro, as Ghostface soon rears its ugly head, directly targeting them and whomever else is caught up in their orbit.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Especially if ugly seasons like last year pile up and the problem continues to snowball.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • After years of upheaval in Florida State athletics—including a then-unprecedented flirtation with private equity and a bitter legal fight with the Atlantic Coast Conference—the school has parted ways with athletic director Michael Alford.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, Kiffin left, a bitter and acrimonious separation that played out over 14 agonizing days, just as the Rebels prepped for their first College Football Playoff game in history.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • Gasly’s pole and seventh-place finish comes on a weekend that started sour for Alpine.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • And now all they’re left with is the sour, bitter taste of having been played.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

unplausible
unpleasant
unpleasantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpleasant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpleasant. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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