UNSEEMLY Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

unseemly 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-ˈsēm-lē

Definition of unseemly next

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an unseemly interest in their host's income and expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unseemly

2 of 2

adverb

as in inappropriately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unseemly differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unseemly are improper, indecorous, indelicate, and unbecoming. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

When could improper be used to replace unseemly?

In some situations, the words improper and unseemly are roughly equivalent. However, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When can indecorous be used instead of unseemly?

While in some cases nearly identical to unseemly, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When would indelicate be a good substitute for unseemly?

The synonyms indelicate and unseemly are sometimes interchangeable, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When is it sensible to use unbecoming instead of unseemly?

While the synonyms unbecoming and unseemly are close in meaning, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

Examples 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 unseemly

Adjective

Ordinarily, a party might consider nominating someone else rather than endure the embarrassing and unseemly details that will emerge from this undignified affair. —

S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2024 The competitive aspect of this is unseemly, and best avoided. —

Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 27 July 2024

Adverb

After leaving office in 2001, Barak undermined his standing by adopting a lavish lifestyle deemed unseemly for a Labor leader. —

Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2016 But what if there’s just a spot of mold, or there’s a corner that’s looking a little unseemly? —

Brittany Leitner, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for unseemly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unseemly

Adjective

Court documents obtained by PEOPLE cited irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital misconduct as the reason, and Cyrus also sought an annulment on the grounds of fraud.

Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024
The general etiquette missteps while attending an event are not RSVP, not being punctual, not bringing a gift, not making a good impression, inappropriate dress code, not knowing when to leave, not sending a thank you card.

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024