1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of uncalled-for
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
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
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
The film does not hold life in particularly high esteem, leading to a rather predictable final stretch in which a succession of funerals is called for — plus one entirely uncalled-for sequence in which Oliver strips off his clothes and desecrates someone’s grave.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncalled-for
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, carbs are mostly unnecessary for cats and can cause additional health issues.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
This creates a pattern of frequently replacing your air freshener, inconsistent performance, and unnecessary waste.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But no, the friend is not being rude.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Polling has found the general public felt the immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota went too far, a factor that may have contributed to the abrupt firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in early March.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
For audiences expecting a cradle-to-grave reckoning, that cutoff can feel abrupt.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Desmon Yancy, 5th, called the Cottage Grove Avenue store closure disrespectful to the community.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
Any team with Anthony Edwards on it will have some swagger, but this almost feels like the T-Wolves are being disrespectful to this challenger.—
David Troy,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And that’s a pretty thoughtless way to approach a conflict that’s already killed so many.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Scenes meant to convey fondness and dramatic weight instead flatten into thoughtless repetition, as the series’ decades-long dissection of the final girl reveals itself as a stale brand asset.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
This person was a guest in your home, and her behavior comes off as ungracious.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Indeed, content analyses commonly show that about a fifth of all comments are somewhat uncivil.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
-
History has shown us that giving government moral authority over its people is a route to an uncivil society.—
Charles F. Miller,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncalled-for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncalled-for. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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