1
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
uncalled-for restrictions on freedom of the press during the national emergency
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rude
showing a lack of manners or consideration for others
hurtful remarks about a person's looks that are simply uncalled-for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of uncalled-for
In an era in high school sports where boos, jeers, and uncalled-for chants are the status quo, Shelton steers fans to uplift rather than put down.
—
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t sit back and take an uncalled-for beating.
—Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for.
—Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024
Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024
This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024
The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges.
—Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t sit back and take an uncalled-for beating.
—Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025
Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for.
—Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024
Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024
This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024
The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges.
—Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncalled-for
Adjective
-
Not one boater, diver, safety expert or lifeguard asked for this unnecessary threat to our natural resources and waste of tax dollars.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This was not the first time Karnišovas took an unnecessary risk on a clearly troubled player.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Rain, April’s rude house guest, visits erratically and unannounced.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Some lawyers think a video shows a Texas judge being rude to an IT worker.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The store’s abrupt closing has been the latest setback for the polarizing business, which has faced a roller coaster of openings and closures over the past year.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The following morning brought an abrupt wake-up call.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Of course this is disrespectful to his sister and her fiancee, but this is how your son intends to live the rest of his life.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
That framing, whether intentional or not, is disrespectful, dismissive and demeaning.—
Terri Freeman,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And that’s a pretty thoughtless way to approach a conflict that’s already killed so many.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Scenes meant to convey fondness and dramatic weight instead flatten into thoughtless repetition, as the series’ decades-long dissection of the final girl reveals itself as a stale brand asset.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This person was a guest in your home, and her behavior comes off as ungracious.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Charles’s actions then were interpreted, probably correctly, as a rebuke to Trump for his ungracious treatment of his guest, and also reminded international onlookers that the king remains the most political of monarchs, unafraid to make his favor—or displeasure—known.—
Alexander Larman,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Harder still to see the people who have persevered through it all and the culture that preserves signs of civilization, even in deeply uncivil times.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Lost in all the heated rhetoric is the fact that so much of this turmoil would have been avoided if federal detainers were simply honored within local jails and state prisons — away from the public and professional provocateurs who are drawn to uncivil cultural conflict like bees to honey.—
Bob Ehrlich,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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