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
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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
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3
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
hated the whole unsavory business of firing people
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of unsavory
Beyond reputational harm, dabbling with unsavory donors can mean losing out on future funding.
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Mary Holland, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024
The gym was a front for unsavory criminal activity and strong-arming, much of it perpetrated by the gym members who lifted heavy weights and competed in local bodybuilding competitions.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024
The two Ohio natives grew up surrounded by parlay cards and unsavory characters, so the legalization of sports betting was nothing new to them.
—Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024
Overly precocious George jumps from the train to the countryside and, in true Dickensian fashion, encounters some helpful people as well as some unsavory types on his treacherous trek back home.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory 
Mary Holland, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024
The gym was a front for unsavory criminal activity and strong-arming, much of it perpetrated by the gym members who lifted heavy weights and competed in local bodybuilding competitions.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024
The two Ohio natives grew up surrounded by parlay cards and unsavory characters, so the legalization of sports betting was nothing new to them.
—Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024
Overly precocious George jumps from the train to the countryside and, in true Dickensian fashion, encounters some helpful people as well as some unsavory types on his treacherous trek back home.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsavory
Adjective
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This practice is second nature among veteran hunters, but can be jarring or even distasteful to some new hunters.Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 Nov. 2024
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Those choices seem even more baffling and distasteful after watching this documentary, which shows the real Lyle breaking down with shame on the witness stand over his abuse of Erik.Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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That level of greed and inequality is not only immoral.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024
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Regulated sportsbooks find gambling on minors immoral in some respects, but you guys don’t.Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Good palliative care can ensure that patients avoid unpleasant breathlessness, pain, nausea, and other symptoms.Mark Taubert, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
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At the same time, however, many people described unpleasant feelings associated with December.Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Vodka, on the other hand, bucked the trend and saw an increase of 32 percent in value, showing that this spirits category, despite its bland reputation, remains incredibly popular.Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
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Additionally, its menus look bland and dull, seemingly slapped together to make the mode playable.Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Afterall, there are few things as unappetizing as a spoonful of stale cereal.Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
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The holiday rush is in full swing across the US as last-minute travelers try to reach their destinations in unappetizing weather conditions.Alexandra Banner, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Court filings allege that Louisiana's unlawful detainment costs the state more than $2.5 million each year.Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
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Potential charges included theft and unlawful flight from law enforcement.Caitlin McGlade, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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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
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His side's inability to finish off the game against Burnley on the other hand was very unpleasing.SI.com, SI.com, 1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
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Outlook: The offensive line group was already thin with the departures of starters Marcellus Marshall, Amari Kight, Adrian Medley and Paul Rubelt so depth was going to be a concern heading into the transfer window.Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Dec. 2024
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Dell’s loss leaves the Texans thin at receiver with Stefon Diggs already down for the year.Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 25 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unsavory
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsavory. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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