unsavory

adjective

un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
-ˈsāv-rē
Synonyms of unsavory
1
: insipid, tasteless
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially : morally offensive
unsavory business practices

Synonyms of unsavory

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Examples of unsavory in a Sentence

He is an unsavory character. an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But a curious new release in 2025, about the unsavory world of online scalpers, finally tipped him back towards the project. — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2026 The late Wolf had a reputation as an unsavory character, having been convicted of arson in 1969, and also later serving prison time for attempting to evade taxes. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The volunteer panel acted as a neutral arbiter of sleazy attacks and other unsavory campaign tactics. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2026 After Anne Hathaway was announced to join Tom Cruise in Paramount’s Days of Thunder 2, Randy Quaid had some unsavory words for the Oscar-winning actress, who is currently pregnant with her third child. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsavory

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsavory was in the 13th century

Rhymes for unsavory

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Browse Nearby Words

unsavoriness
unsavory
unsay
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Cite this Entry

“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unsavory

adjective
un·​sa·​vory ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē How to pronounce unsavory (audio)
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
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