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
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
Why weren’t these unsavory tactics nipped in the bud?
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
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
Why weren’t these unsavory tactics nipped in the bud?
—Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
-
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
-
While the in-arena plan does not include dancers, the promo has polarized the industry, with some arguing that the celebration is distasteful.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
More and more people are avoiding dating or befriending those with opposing political views, and growing numbers describe those on the other side as closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.—
Justin Callais,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
-
More and more people are avoiding dating or befriending those with opposing political views, and growing numbers describe those on the other side as closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent.—
Justin Callais,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This unpleasant odor, Smith explained, is the result of something called asparagusic acid, which is unique to the vegetable.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to unpleasant flavors, how your flour smells or looks can indicate spoilage.—
Hannah Lee Leidy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Once a go-to neutral, gray carpet has long since lost its charm; it's now linked to bland spaces that lack character.—
Marisa Suzanne Martin,
The Spruce,
7 Mar. 2026
-
This one came off bland, with a sauce that bordered on soupy rather than creamy.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But, to her, the idea of leaving a review was unappetizing.—
James Doubek,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2026
-
When Steve turns out to be more Hannibal Lecter than Prince Charming, their relationship takes an unappetizing turn.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Burglary/Breaking & Entering – The unlawful entry into a building or some other structure to commit a felony or a theft.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
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Gabriela Vela said she's come to Miami Beach for spring break for the past three years, even back when the city had strict crackdowns on unlawful behavior.—
Steve Maugeri,
CBS News,
12 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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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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
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Loose Flashings Flashings are thin materials—typically made from metals like aluminum or copper—that are installed at joints and penetrations on roofs and walls including chimneys, valleys, windows, and vents.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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