UNCALLED-FOR Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

uncalled-for

adjective

ˌən-ˈkȯl(d)-ˌfȯr

Definition of uncalled-for

as in unnecessary

not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end uncalled-for restrictions on freedom of the press during the national emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rude

showing a lack of manners or consideration for others hurtful remarks about a person's looks that are simply uncalled-for

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 uncalled-for There was the uncalled-for NFL Christmas Day in-game Zoom with Emmitt Smith last year. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 In an era in high school sports where boos, jeers, and uncalled-for chants are the status quo, Shelton steers fans to uplift rather than put down. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 Don’t sit back and take an uncalled-for beating. — Jim Heininger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 In addition, we are no longer viewed as a world leader but Russian President Vladimir Putin’s puppet and Mexico, Canada and China have fought back over an uncalled-for tariff war. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025 Yeah, after putting in so much effort to make a delicious meal, that felt a little uncalled-for. — Bon Appétit, 16 Oct. 2024 Consult an attorney to discuss her behavior and find out how to defend your son from her uncalled-for attack. — Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 3 July 2024 This is absolutely unhinged, uncalled-for, unprecedented TV-writing behavior. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 16 June 2024 The affair led to uncalled-for attacks on Leviss, 29, by Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 38, the suit alleges. — Diana Dasrath, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncalled-for

Adjective

However, many medical experts and public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reject these policies as unnecessary and ineffective.

— Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
The process is intended to prevent unnecessary healthcare costs and limit unnecessary facilities.

— Eva Flowe October 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Adjective

Were my siblings rude to ignore my plan and take them for themselves?

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
An alligator with a sense of humor knocked on a North Carolina woman’s front door in the middle of the night, and the rascal got a rather rude response.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of rude

Adjective

Or maybe he was lured into his thoughtless comments because of the jocularity inside that room full of reporters.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
At the outset of this chatty novel, the protagonist, Caroline, who was recently ghosted by a thoughtless man, has had a story published in this magazine.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of thoughtless

Adjective

But the tournament will also be remembered for a classless and churlish Argentina, which forever stained itself with a thuggish performance in the game and an ungracious one afterward.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Coaches Dawn Staley of South Carolina and Geno Auriemma of UConn had a heated courtside exchange afterward as Auriemma, in character, complained about the officiating and proved an ungracious loser, but at least apologized a day later.

— Greg Cote April 5, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of ungracious

Adjective

The minutes had passed so quickly for the rest of the world, but for the families waiting to learn whether their children were alive, the abrupt end of the gunfire wasn’t the end of their agony.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Bass, for instance, oversaw the reappointment of McDonnell’s predecessor, Michel Moore, shortly after her election and stood by him for a year before Moore’s abrupt resignation in early 2024.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

The four-time Pro Bowl selection then was asked if the comment was disrespectful.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
The island’s prefect, Thierry Devimeux, who is white and took up the post in September 2025, recently accused a Black fisherman of being disrespectful by talking to him in Creole.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrespectful

Adjective

Workers are asking for clear policies, safe reporting channels, and accountability for managers who model or tolerate uncivil conduct.

— Carolynn Johnson, Fortune, 16 June 2026
Sumner’s uncivil words against Butler provided Brooks with the opportunity to make up for a lifetime of misadventures.

— Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Definition of uncivil

Browse Nearby Words

uncalculated

uncalled-for

uncanceled

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“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of uncalled-for

adjective

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