UNSCRUPULOUS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

unscrupulous

adjective

ˌən-ˈskrü-pyə-ləs

Definition of unscrupulous

as in immoral

not guided by or showing a concern for what is right an unscrupulous businessman manipulated them into selling their land for practically nothing

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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 unscrupulous Early 2020s prestige television skewered the rich and unscrupulous. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026 But, argue the plaintiffs, the Nazis’ lists were often modified at the request of unscrupulous dealers. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 That is not to say that unscrupulous politicians do not engage in bribery. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 But that can come with its own risks, especially with an unscrupulous agent. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unscrupulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unscrupulous

Adjective

And in a world increasingly populated by people who are absolutely certain that everyone who disagrees with them is either ignorant or immoral, our universities could use considerably more of all three.

— Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Central to the exhibition is the tension between the honorable and the immoral, the appealing and the revolting.

— News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of immoral

Adjective

The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Facinelli plays the Boss, a ruthless figure whose cash ends up in the pool hustler’s hands, and intends to get it back, one way or another.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

The most egregious perpetrators of fraud in the industry were corrupt doctors who were paid by patients to send insurance companies medical examination reports that omitted unfavorable findings.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
That unaffordability, Talarico argued at the nighttime rally in Texas that was packed with younger voters, is because billionaires and corrupt politicians have rigged the system.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of corrupt

Adjective

This creates a perverse financial incentive for unethical operators to provide substandard care – or even interfere with recovery.

— Ilan Shrira, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026
Documentarian Erin Lee Carr’s latest project is a deep dive into The Swan, the 2004 reality show widely considered one of the most unethical and sadistic in TV history.

— Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of unethical

Browse Nearby Words

unscripted

unscrupulous

unscrupulousness

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

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Synonyms of unscrupulous

adjective

Example Sentences

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