displeasing 1 of 2

Definition of displeasingnext

displeasing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of displease

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 displeasing
Adjective
While certain oils work well together (like lemon and tea tree, sweet orange and cinnamon, peppermint and rosemary), aim to mix only two to three oils when blending to avoid a displeasing or overpowering fragrance. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for displeasing
Adjective
  • The dusty chocolate coating is bitter and unpleasant, and there isn’t enough salt to offset it.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Some of it has been very unpleasant for me and many others, especially those who look like me.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His 2-3 playoff record came after a long dissatisfying postseason stretch from Chan Gailey (0-2), Bill Parcells (0-2), Phillips (1-2) and before McCarthy (1-3).
    Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Usually a team of elegant offense, Michigan instead clanked 13 triples off the rim and relied on its inside defensive ferocity to win a game nearly as aesthetically unpleasing as UConn’s 53-41 win over Butler in 2011.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Rosemary makes one of the best companion plants for apple trees because of its strong scent that's unpleasing to critters looking to snack on a juicy red apple.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes, rage bait can be relatively harmless – a recipe that contains disgusting food combinations or someone annoying their pet, partner or sibling.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025
  • But what’s been annoying me even more is that these women should have been trained by producers to start recording on their own cell phones if drama starts to unfold after cameras go down.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Accusations were made, lawsuits were filed, harsh words were spoken and feelings were hurt.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • It’s prized for sculpting a high-definition lip that holds up under the harshest red-carpet lighting.
    Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Beneficial for the Atlantic but irritating to many beachgoers – sargassum is set to pile up across South Florida’s beaches again this summer.
    Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Sure, there are worse problems to have in life, but there’s no denying that fruit flies are irritating.
    Christine Fiorentino, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its 28-game start matches the expansion 1962 Mets — who lost 120 games — along with 1964 and 1983 for the second-worst in team history behind an 8-20 opening in 1981.
    Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Ossai isn’t a bad pass rusher either, getting five sacks in each of the last two seasons, a total that somehow would’ve ranked second on the Jets last season.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There is disturbing use by 13-year-olds and those who are older in bike lanes and our once-tranquil walking and bike trails.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Mark Holdbrooks, 69, was found guilty Friday on multiple charges, including murder, theft and disturbing human remains.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Displeasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/displeasing. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on displeasing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster