unseemly 1 of 2

unseemly

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unseemly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unseemly are improper, indecorous, indelicate, and unbecoming. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

When could improper be used to replace unseemly?

In some situations, the words improper and unseemly are roughly equivalent. However, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When can indecorous be used instead of unseemly?

While in some cases nearly identical to unseemly, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When would indelicate be a good substitute for unseemly?

The synonyms indelicate and unseemly are sometimes interchangeable, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When is it sensible to use unbecoming instead of unseemly?

While the synonyms unbecoming and unseemly are close in meaning, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

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 unseemly
Adjective
This side of the financing world is competitive in its jostling for clients and can be a bit unseemly. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2024 However unseemly, Trump’s salacious rendez-vous with Stormy Daniels is not. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 15 May 2024
Adverb
There is undoubtedly something unseemly about making this show in the wake of Hutchins’s passing. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025 Those automatic bids — the SEC would receive four, as well — are unseemly in concept but necessary in reality for the sport’s most powerful conferences. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unseemly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unseemly
Adjective
  • Satisfied that there may have indeed been inappropriate action on the part of the veteran Karate Kid actor, Sony addressed Kove directly.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.
    Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Washing Windows Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
  • Directed by Joseph Kahn, the clip features guest appearances from Marlon Lundgren Garcia and MrBeast, who play unsuitable prospects for the singer.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Before then, an officer could only cite you for using your phone after you had been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or an improper lane change.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
  • In 2023, auditors found A1’s Frederick County branch engaged in improper scheduling and monitoring.
    Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Using the wrong cleaners, such as ammonia and glass cleaner, can cause permanent streaks and damage.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • Effective leaders recognize that different doesn’t mean wrong.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Consider a car engine: Removing deposits and sludge (inaccurate, outdated, irrelevant and incorrect information) reduces friction, while clean oil (large language models and AI) ensures smooth performance.
    Savinay Berry, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Belief in other scientifically incorrect claims can be extremely dangerous.
    Mark Boslough, Scientific American, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The root of the fallout was the Who (and specifically Daltrey) being unhappy with Starkey’s performance when the band played a pair of Teenage Cancer Trust charity shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
  • On Friday, Devers alluded to being unhappy with how the Red Sox treated him.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Brushing up on English has taken on new urgency for future and current truck drivers after President Donald Trump issued an executive order saying truckers who don’t read and speak the language proficiently would be considered unfit for service.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • These board members have betrayed the public trust and shown themselves to be unfit to govern the district.
    Jay Steiger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unseemly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unseemly. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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