unpleasant

adjective

ˌən-ˈple-zᵊnt How to pronounce unpleasant (audio)
Definition of unpleasantnext
as in unpleasing
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses the burnt pot roast had a very unpleasant odor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unpleasant In addition to losing absorbency, the combination of moisture and potential organic matter can lead to bacteria and mold growth and contribute to unpleasant smells. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 24 Aug. 2026 Rooms are spacious by Tokyo standards and reliably comfortable, with the service consistency that makes Marriott a default for travelers who don't want any (unpleasant) surprises. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 In Europe, prolonged heat waves and record-setting hot days have crossed the threshold from unpleasant to deadly. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026 Cleanup Challenges Cleaning up after your home has been inundated with smoke from wildfires is unpleasant, difficult and potentially unhealthy. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpleasant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpleasant
  1. unpleasing
  2. harsh
  3. bad
  4. nasty
  5. ugly
  6. bitter
  7. sour
  8. horrible
Adjective
  • The identity of the unpleasing Lindsay Marriott’s slayer has no pressing interest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The remarks not only referred to the aesthetics of the game – tedious matches devoid of skillful merit that were unpleasing to watch.
    — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Definition of unpleasing
Adjective
  • Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of harsh
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
  • Minneola City Councilman David Yeager’s efforts to annex his new home into the city earlier this summer sparked a nasty debate on the council that led to two members being censured last week for incivility.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Working with a nasty four-pitch mix, Bradley struck out six over four innings before achieving the feat in the fifth.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • The seventh-round rookie threw an ugly interception in the first quarter, while backpedaling and off his back foot.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Several leading Democrats, including Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, issued statements denouncing Piker’s ugly warning to the Jews as a barely veiled anti-Semitic threat.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • Trump has declined so far to endorse a successor, opting to keep his cards close ahead of what’s likely to be a bitter race.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • If more than a small portion is green, or the potato smells off, feels soft, or tastes bitter after cooking, discard it.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • Venezuelan oil, by contrast, is heavy, sour sludge, which can more easily be distilled into asphalt, industrial oils, diesel and jet fuel.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • And of course, any bottle that has an unpleasant smell, sour taste, or lots of floating particles or mold is spoiled and should be thrown out.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sour
Adjective
  • Anne Hathaway is a leftist, woke, horrible choice for DAYS OF THUNDER NASCAR audience who are MAGA.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
  • These two rubber bands in our throat are affected by everything from hormones to psychology to a bad day to a horrible night’s sleep to the sniffles or whatever.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

unplausible
unpleasant
unpleasantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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