Synonyms of unsavory

unsavory

adjective

ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 

1

as in distasteful

disagreeable or disgusting to the sense of taste

an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distasteful
• unappetizing
• unpalatable
• bad
• horrible
• nasty
• awful
• brackish
• filthy
• yucky
• obnoxious
• loathsome
• offensive
• repulsive
• repugnant
• revolting
• bland
• abominable
• sickening
• nauseating
• foul
• shocking
• repellent
• noisome
• tasteless
• insipid
• flavorless
• flat
• savorless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delicious
• tasty
• appetizing
• delectable
• palatable
• savory
• yummy
• attractive
• rich
• toothsome
• appealing
• flavorful
• piquant
• delish

2

as in immoral

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

unsavory doings that ruined the couple's good name in the community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• immoral
• unlawful
• evil
• sinful
• vile
• vicious
• dark
• bad
• wicked
• nefarious
• villainous
• rotten
• obscene
• offensive
• unethical
• infamous
• unauthorized
• wrong
• corrupt
• illegal
• cruel
• ugly
• improper
• iniquitous
• unrighteous
• dirty
• nasty
• cursed
• disreputable
• sordid
• despicable
• objectionable
• contemptible
• condemned
• ignoble
• prohibited
• pernicious
• naughty
• dishonest
• reprehensible
• forbidden
• infernal
• depraved
• unwholesome
• perverted
• noxious
• unhealthy
• atrocious
• snide
• ill
• ungodly
• unscrupulous
• pestilential
• dissolute
• base
• sick
• censurable
• mean
• incorrect
• debauched
• unseemly
• scrofulous
• degenerate
• debased
• libertine
• unprincipled
• fallen
• blameworthy
• loose
• evil-minded
• unclean
• miserable
• indecent
• indecorous
• vulgar
• dishonorable
• proscribed
• low-minded
• wretched
• barred
• discouraged
• outlawed
• reprobate
• errant
• execrable
• unbecoming
• lousy
• low
• blamable
• disallowed
• cussed
• banned
• defiling
• erring
• interdicted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moral
• honorable
• good
• ethical
• legitimate
• virtuous
• noble
• legal
• honest
• righteous
• right
• decent
• sublime
• high
• reputable
• lofty
• scrupulous
• upright
• just
• elevated
• permitted
• principled
• permissible
• authorized
• licensed
• high-minded
• proper
• endorsed
• sanctioned
• approved
• correct
• decent
• clean
• exemplary
• allowed
• promoted
• decorous
• supported
• law-abiding
• wholesome
• innocent
• white
• creditable
• commendable
• unobjectionable
• seemly
• pure
• perfect
• encouraged
• inoffensive
• worthy
• blameless
• guiltless
• venerable
• irreproachable
• immaculate
• spotless
• esteemed
• chaste
• incorruptible
• respected
• unerring
• uncorrupted
• abetted
• squeaky-clean
• lily-white
• unfallen
• upstanding

3

as in unpleasant

not giving pleasure to the mind or senses

hated the whole unsavory business of firing people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unpleasant
• unpleasing
• harsh
• bad
• nasty
• sour
• disgusting
• ugly
• bitter
• horrible
• sickening
• rotten
• awful
• unwelcome
• disagreeable
• distasteful
• wicked
• unpalatable
• shocking
• unlovely
• uncongenial
• displeasing
• vile
• dreadful
• icky
• hideous
• odious
• yucky
• scandalous
• annoying
• loathsome
• repulsive
• obnoxious
• repugnant
• revolting
• seamy
• offensive
• villainous
• hateful
• invidious
• abominable
• irritating
• abhorrent
• appalling
• sick
• unholy
• obscene
• ghastly
• horrid
• foul
• nauseating
• gross
• hellish
• repellent
• horrendous
• bilious
• noisome
• aggravating
• vexing
• beastly
• nauseous
• gnarly
• miserable
• revulsive
• crummy
• galling
• wretched
• god-awful
• crappy
• lousy
• sucky
• cruddy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasant
• good
• agreeable
• nice
• congenial
• grateful
• satisfying
• palatable
• welcome
• gratifying
• pleasurable
• delightful
• delicious
• pleasing
• sweet
• charming
• friendly
• amiable
• delectable
• felicitous
• dreamy
• jolly
• kindly
• cheery

4

as in bland

lacking in taste or flavor

the unsavory food dished up at the rest area's restaurant should be consumed only by the truly desperate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bland
• thin
• tasteless
• insipid
• plain
• flavorless
• weak
• flat
• savorless
• dead
• dilute
• watery
• unflavored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disgusting
• distasteful
• tasty
• loathsome
• flavorful
• savory
• tasteful
• unpalatable
• sickening
• unappetizing
• delicious
• palatable
• delectable
• cloying
• appetizing
• mawkish
• flavorsome
• sapid
• spicy
• seasoned
• rich
• piquant
• keen
• flavored
• heavy
• toothsome

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unsavory

Before showing off the footage — which saw Booth working as a cinema projectionist while handling some more unsavory business on the side — Tarantino explained his decision to revisit the character in the first place. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

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

After Anne Hathaway was announced to join Tom Cruise in Paramount’s Days of Thunder 2, Randy Quaid had some unsavory words for the Oscar-winning actress, who is currently pregnant with her third child. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026