unseemly 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce unseemly (audio)
Definition of unseemlynext
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an unseemly interest in their host's income and expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unseemly

2 of 2

adverb

as in inappropriately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Now, the mayor and aldermen face unseemly optics: privately agreeing to pressure vendors — many of whom already operate on slim profit margins — while failing to disclose that this was a key budget-balancing strategy to avoid raising property taxes. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 An unseemly blackmail incident and a pressing need for cash mean, however, the siblings get entangled in the city’s murky underworld, setting up a series that is equal parts drama and comedy. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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 See All Example Sentences for unseemly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unseemly
  1. inappropriate
  2. unsuitable
  3. improper
  4. wrong
  5. incorrect
  6. unhappy
  7. unfit
Adjective
  • That’s as the league continues its investigation of longtime Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by 16 massage therapists as part of an investigation by The Baltimore Banner.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Herro was asked this as well: Is the type of the comment that Garland made inappropriate for a player to say about another player?
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of inappropriate
Adjective
  • Olivia Heller/The Hustle For-profit developers, for one thing, often find church and synagogue properties unsuitable for redevelopment.
    — Mark Dent, HubSpot, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Such glues and taped seams make Gore-tex jackets unsuitable for chemical recycling.
    — Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of unsuitable
Adjective
  • Courts and Compliance In terms of the legal battles over Trump's moves, people widely rejected the administration's accusations of improper judicial interference.
    — Gary Langer, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Graham was arrested shortly before 4:45 p.m. and charged with engaging police in pursuit, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of a marker plate, operation without minimum insurance, unsafe passing and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of improper
Adjective
  • But even one in three Republicans said their cost of living was on the wrong track, according to the poll, which surveyed 4,306 U.S. adults nationwide between April 16 and April 21.
    — Jason Lange, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Picking the wrong blush can have your cheeks looking overly rosy or chalky.
    — Celeste Polanco, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of wrong
Adjective
  • Many patients walk away with incorrect prescriptions.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • If a player guesses incorrect groups of words four times, the game ends, and they are defeated.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of incorrect
Adjective
  • Particularly now that Americans are unhappy with the state of economy.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some 59% of voters are unhappy with how things are going in the country.
    — Dana Blanton, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Its troubles began in 2022 after regulators declared the company unfit to operate its casinos following media reports of money laundering at its properties.
    — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The injunction request stated the premises were unfit for occupancy and owners did not have a valid city business license.
    — Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of unfit

Browse Nearby Words

unseemliness
unseemly
unseen
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Cite this Entry

“Unseemly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unseemly. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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