distasteful

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈtāst-fəl How to pronounce distasteful (audio)
Definition of distastefulnext
1
as in unpalatable
disagreeable or disgusting to the sense of taste cod-liver oil is so distasteful that it's worse than anything it cures

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2
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses concerned mothers who find some recent musical trends distasteful

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3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment the distasteful nature of his job as a bill collector

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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 distasteful The controversy goes beyond the fact that many may find Muehl’s artwork involving graphic nudity, violence, and the use of blood and excrement as materials distasteful. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 For some, evoking death and sacrifice was perplexing and distasteful; a step too far. — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026 South Florida beaches have been inundated by waves of sargassum in recent weeks — while visually distasteful to some, the seaweed is not usually harmful to humans, and occupies a critical niche in marine ecosystems. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Even comedian Shane Gillis, who's been in hot water for his own distasteful jokes, wasn't a fan of Hokit's words. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for distasteful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distasteful
  1. unpalatable
  2. unpleasant
  3. disgusting
  4. unappetizing
  5. unpleasing
  6. ugly
  7. horrible
  8. harsh
Adjective
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously signaled that the White House is cautious about pushing too hard in defiance of the bond market—even if a hold or a hike in the base rate is politically unpalatable.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Although no plant is 100% animal-proof, some spring-blooming bulbs have toxic or unpalatable self-defenses that deer, rabbits and rodents tend to avoid.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpalatable
Adjective
  • As unpleasant as his job might be at the moment, Harbaugh is ostensibly safe.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Depriving the plant of light discourages the development of chlorophyll—the green plant pigment responsible for color—and rids the chicory of an unpleasant flavor.
    — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • People tend to think of waste as trash, sewage, slag, manure and other seemingly useless or disgusting substances.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The better to act out empire’s idea of what disgusting demonic sickness looks like.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of disgusting
Adjective
  • This results in a watery, unappetizing texture, according to Southern Living.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The sugars react during high-heat cooking, causing potatoes to brown excessively and develop an unappetizing dark color or blotchy brown patches.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of unappetizing
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
  • Without all that, the series misses out on the ugly, earthy, sensual details that could have complicated her past blank innocence.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this season, the Seahawks coach described a dispute with Payton that got ugly enough for Seattle to threaten a lawsuit.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of ugly
Adjective
  • Hill is a free agent after a horrible injury suffered last season.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Ashley Flynn’s sister, Kayla Keyt, said during her victim statement that her family could not overcome their sense of shock and despair after learning that Flynn betrayed them in such a violent and horrible way.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The European Commission has set an October deadline for progress in the negotiations, as France and Germany push for harsher measures.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Dehydrated skin is typically caused by dry air, harsh skin care, or the weather.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of harsh

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Cite this Entry

“Distasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distasteful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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