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
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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
Launching an aerial war against Iran serves to pull some attention away from that unsavory topic, at least for the time being.
—
Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
This isn’t the first time the Disturbia actor has been embroiled in unsavory dealings.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Something unsavory is afoot in Hollywood, according to Matthew McConaughey.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
Bell and Turner expertly convey the charisma of Jack and Ed while also revealing that there’s something a little unsavory about them both.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
This isn’t the first time the Disturbia actor has been embroiled in unsavory dealings.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2026
Something unsavory is afoot in Hollywood, according to Matthew McConaughey.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
Bell and Turner expertly convey the charisma of Jack and Ed while also revealing that there’s something a little unsavory about them both.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
-
People aged between 18 and 29, who are Gen Z, were the most likely to find extreme wealth distasteful.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Because literature is a distillation of our loves and fears, of supposedly beauty and truth, its relationship with Mammon is at least distasteful and at most tragic, but the story of writing’s association itself is certainly an engaging story.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Michigan State Police said Robert Wilson, 44, of Gaylord, was arrested on March 25 and lodged at the Otsego County Jail on one charge each of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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When the status quo is fundamentally evil and dysfunctional, then Trimming is immoral.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That said, whole-virus vaccines can cause more unpleasant side effects, and in rare cases, weakened live pathogens can redevelop infectious capability.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
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Like, what would make this already unpleasant environment even spicier?—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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From a thriving artisanal craft tradition to a slate of luxury hospitality openings, Mallorca has a lot to offer these days to debunk its onetime reputation as a bland resort outpost.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
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The show also features bravura performances from Mark McGrath and Pat O’Brien skewering their bland TV-presenter personas.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The administration has asked for an astonishing $200 billion to fund a war that the president also sporadically claims is over, giving legislators an unappetizing choice between funding a quagmire or else walking away and leaving a mess behind.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
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Reaching for your leftover guacamole and discovering it’s turned an unappetizing shade of brown after a day in the fridge.—
Olivia Tarantino,
Martha Stewart,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Heifler was charged with ferdeal counts of unlawful possession of a destructive devices and unlawful making of destructive devices, officials said.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Rosemary makes one of the best companion plants for apple trees because of its strong scent that's unpleasing to critters looking to snack on a juicy red apple.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
16 Feb. 2026
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Smears on non-sensor areas of the tiara are like bug debris on your hood, aesthetically unpleasing but not harmful.—
Eric Tegler,
Popular Mechanics,
1 Oct. 2019
Adjective
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While that advice refers primarily to metal utensils, the same principles apply across materials, especially where thin construction can increase the risk of breakage.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Not only did that article form the basis of the film, but Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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