UNHEALTHY Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

unhealthy

adjective

ˌən-ˈhel-thē

Definition of unhealthy

as in poisonous

bad for the well-being of the body we knew that the junk food at the carnival was unhealthy, but it tasted so good!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dangerous

involving potential loss or injury criticism of the military dictatorship has proved to be unhealthy for several of that nation's journalists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body she's been unhealthy for almost a week now

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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 unhealthy Fair or not, the noise that surrounds Sanders creates an unhealthy environment for everyone else. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The findings could help shape the often contentious public debate over whether SNAP recipients should be allowed to use food stamps to pay for soda, candy and other unhealthy foods. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Yet our tendency to use body mass as a convenient proxy for unhealthy weight gain may obfuscate the true risks – and even benefits – of being a little bigger. — Mike McRae 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 Walking will also help regulate appetite and curb the urge to grab those unhealthy snacks between meals. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unhealthy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unhealthy

Adjective

But the point was just that Nick’s character is emulating Sheridan’s poisonous corrupted values, and the internet is a vehicle for that relationship.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
For this reason, these poisonous mushrooms are more commonly confused with other types of edible mushrooms like chicken of the woods and chanterelles (more on these in a minute).

— Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of poisonous

Adjective

Some recalls, Eskin said, are made after companies’ routine testing catches a pathogen before anyone gets sick, while others involve outbreaks that are already underway and vary widely in size and severity.

— Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Sanchez also ordered a meal from Taco Bell, but didn’t get sick.

— Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sick

Adjective

But this type of [toxic] female figure is a widespread archetype even in other places and parts of the world.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells.

— Mike McRae August 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of toxic

Adjective

Poor Anton has been left out of the drama all day, an effort by Billie and Samir to prevent an already bad futzing from escalating to something severe, and that’s never where Anton likes to be.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Although rarely seen, its reemergence earlier this summer is a signal of how bad the region’s ongoing drought has gotten, as well as a warning for the difficult months ahead.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of bad

Adjective

Warnings of unhealthful air quality remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States due to smoke from Canadian wildfires that has engulfed the Northeast in haze for days.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2026
The soil may contain pathogens, pesticides and other unhealthful things.

— Joan Morris, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of unhealthful

Adjective

At the same time — despite Tuesday’s move — investor appetite for riskier assets like stocks continues to climb.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Knowing a bailout is coming, however, may inadvertently encourage farmers to sustain their dependence on the risky Chinese export market.

— Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of risky

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unhealthiness

unhealthy

unheard-of

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“Unhealthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unhealthy. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unhealthy

adjective

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