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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
hated the whole unsavory business of firing people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsavory
Plus placing that onus on editors could put magazines in the unsavory position of policing writers.
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Jasmine Vojdani,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
The two Democrats have frequently tussled for moral high ground over their connections to industries that voters might see as unsavory.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
27 May 2026
Margot’s room is dark and dingy, more like a cell with its anti-suicide windows, and the mattress shows unsavory traces of what looks very much like blood.
—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
And would the president appear — as others have at past WHCDs — to hand out awards to journalists who have done work that investigated him or the White House or revealed unsavory things about his time in it?
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Jasmine Vojdani,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
The two Democrats have frequently tussled for moral high ground over their connections to industries that voters might see as unsavory.
—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
27 May 2026
Margot’s room is dark and dingy, more like a cell with its anti-suicide windows, and the mattress shows unsavory traces of what looks very much like blood.
—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
And would the president appear — as others have at past WHCDs — to hand out awards to journalists who have done work that investigated him or the White House or revealed unsavory things about his time in it?
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
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South Florida beaches have been inundated by waves of sargassum in recent weeks — while visually distasteful to some, the seaweed is not usually harmful to humans, and occupies a critical niche in marine ecosystems.
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Even comedian Shane Gillis, who's been in hot water for his own distasteful jokes, wasn't a fan of Hokit's words.
Adjective
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These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
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The artist wrote that keeping silent on this kind of behavior is akin to turning a blind eye to immoral behavior.
Adjective
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Fresh grass clippings are great for masking naturally unpleasant odors in the garden by simply using them to cover the offensive materials.
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This could be an indication that the P-trap under the sink has dried out, which means water no longer blocks unpleasant smells from rising.
Adjective
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But no characteristic of the bland Krem is as interesting as his studded face.
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But when done without texture, the trend can feel bland.
Adjective
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All those unappetizing items go in your brown yard waste cart, not the black trash cart or the blue recycle cart.
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Hook explains that for natural rind cheese, the impacts of plastic are just as unappetizing.
Adjective
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Nadi Jabari, 46, was charged with false personation, unlawful use of a blue light and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
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The indictment, handed up by a federal grand jury in Maryland, charged Bolton with eight counts of unlawful transmission of national defense information as well as 10 counts of unlawful retention of national defense information.
Adjective
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The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
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Usually a team of elegant offense, Michigan instead clanked 13 triples off the rim and relied on its inside defensive ferocity to win a game nearly as aesthetically unpleasing as UConn’s 53-41 win over Butler in 2011.
Adjective
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
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Tree was recognizable for his bright fashion, mullet haircut with prominent bangs, thin mustache and encouraging outlook.
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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