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 The first reason why is obvious—the congestion, the aching, the cough that overstays its welcome, the unpleasant stomach symptoms. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026 One commenter mentioned that the gunky conditions were reminiscent of a river in Colorado overrun by didymo, an algae that can form thick mats, making the water unpleasant for fish, animals and people. — Hannah Smith july 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026 Given the increasing attempts at drone attacks designed to overwhelm air defenses, reaching for the next missile and finding the locker bare is a very unpleasant possibility. — David Szondy july 22, New Atlas, 23 July 2026 While some may be looking for more reasons to eat cookies, many more are simply hesitating to eat salads and other fresh produce amid a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, known for that unpleasant symptom, among others. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 22 July 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
  • In both premise and execution, the show is hugely reminiscent of the Showtime series of the aughts and early 2010s that featured women in harsh circumstances going to extremes in order to get one over on a society that didn’t care about them.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Although he would not be drawn on future product pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are set for release in September and will be affected by the harsh trading conditions.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • At one point, King and backup center Nick Samac had a bad exchange on a shotgun snap.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • Katherine MacGregor Katherine MacGregor played nasty gossip Harriet Oleson on the show.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
  • And with peak travel season underway, millions of people may have to contend with this disorienting condition, which can cause sleep disturbances, daytime tiredness, headaches and nasty gastrointestinal symptoms.
    — Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • Punk tried an ugly moonsault and missed, leading to a Cody kickout at two.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Further, the most recent version of a Flyers black sweater was just plain ugly.
    — The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • Democrats endured a bitter and expensive campaign that became a proxy battle between the party’s establishment and progressive wings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When the siblings finally arrive, the bitter, suffocating reality that awaits them proves far harsher than Lucila had imagined.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • Salt suppresses bitterness while sweetness softens the sour edges.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Always Dilute Into a Soil Drench Kail emphasizes the importance of never pouring full-strength yogurt straight onto garden soil, as thick dairy can block oxygen, sour, or attract flies.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • But the Chinese way will cause a proliferation of talent, usage, data—until something horrible happens.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Badgers have had horrible injury luck, which has led to bad QB play the past few years.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 27 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unpleasant

Nglish: Translation of unpleasant for Spanish Speakers

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