UNCALLED-FOR Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

uncalled-for

adjective

ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯr

Definition of uncalled-for

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

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

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 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 reality star perfectly responded to rude commenters this week who made uncalled-for remarks about her appearance. — Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 30 Mar. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncalled-for

Adjective

Even with an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth, Shelley made his reps count, making five tackles and breaking up a deep pass from Rams quarterback Ty Simpson intended for Tyler Scott.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
That is true, but making costly and unnecessary wars harder to start belongs in the credit column, not the debit one.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Adjective

Totally ignoring the humanity of both worker and customer is rude, and yet both parties are interested in getting on with whatever the transaction is.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
When Hank and Peggy meet a new family who has moved into the neighborhood, the Laotian Souphanousinphones, Hank immediately dislikes the father, Kahn, who is abrasive, competitive, and often rude.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rude

Adjective

At the outset of this chatty novel, the protagonist, Caroline, who was recently ghosted by a thoughtless man, has had a story published in this magazine.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
That self-deprecating description opens Tony, writer-director Matt Johnson’s movie about the one crazy summer that changed a thoughtless young lout’s life; for good measure, the quote does double duty as the tagline on the film’s poster.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of thoughtless

Adjective

But the tournament will also be remembered for a classless and churlish Argentina, which forever stained itself with a thuggish performance in the game and an ungracious one afterward.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Coaches Dawn Staley of South Carolina and Geno Auriemma of UConn had a heated courtside exchange afterward as Auriemma, in character, complained about the officiating and proved an ungracious loser, but at least apologized a day later.

— Greg Cote April 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of ungracious

Adjective

Too often, the forceful arguments of Rankine and her peers—and the electric anger of the George Floyd protests—were used by the opportunistic and aggrieved to justify abrupt changes to unprepared institutions.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
The White House’s abrupt decision last week to ease tariffs on 300,000 metric tons — more than 660 million pounds — of foreign beef imports has infuriated American cattle ranchers and congressional Republicans alike.

— Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Workers are asking for clear policies, safe reporting channels, and accountability for managers who model or tolerate uncivil conduct.

— Carolynn Johnson, Fortune, 16 June 2026
Sumner’s uncivil words against Butler provided Brooks with the opportunity to make up for a lifetime of misadventures.

— Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Definition of uncivil

Browse Nearby Words

uncalculated

uncalled-for

uncanceled

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“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of uncalled-for

adjective

Example Sentences

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