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

Social media has teemed with unsavory videos of Argentinean misbehavior in the stadiums, including fans hurling racial epithets at a Black American influencer and showering Egyptians with beer. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

Moreover, a host of unsavory characters from Britain’s criminal underworld want a piece of the operation. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 July 2026

The goal of providing that commentary is to assure the market that the CFO switch isn’t related to anything unsavory happening with the accounting book. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 June 2026

The number of drivers getting caught in unsavory circumstances in the backcountry has also increased in recent years, leading to more rescues. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 25 June 2026