unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 
-ˈsāv-rē
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially
: morally offensive
unsavory business practices
Synonyms
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
In the aftermath of President Richard Nixon’s decision to resign in 1974 rather than be impeached, Carter pitched himself to voters as an outsider who would reject Washington’s unsavory ways.
—
Susan Page, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2024
Which is also why Bragg's show trial backfired, making Trump a martyr and helping propel him back into the White House (most people don't like politicized justice, and will side with the victims of it, however otherwise unsavory).
—Bradley Gitz, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
The environs were unsavory—Reijn had chosen blood-red curtains and carpeting specifically to evoke a womb—but there was a charge in the air.
—Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Put simply, our need for logical and predictable patterns prevents us from sifting through and preserving memories of the good times when they are disrupted by unsavory or unexpected moments.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory 
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Susan Page, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2024
Which is also why Bragg's show trial backfired, making Trump a martyr and helping propel him back into the White House (most people don't like politicized justice, and will side with the victims of it, however otherwise unsavory).
—Bradley Gitz, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
The environs were unsavory—Reijn had chosen blood-red curtains and carpeting specifically to evoke a womb—but there was a charge in the air.
—Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Put simply, our need for logical and predictable patterns prevents us from sifting through and preserving memories of the good times when they are disrupted by unsavory or unexpected moments.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory
Dictionary Entries Near unsavory
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
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