Synonyms for Disgusting

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: When you need another word for disgusting, this list provides options ranging from mild revulsion to intense horror. Select the term that best matches the severity of the situation you are describing. Whether writing a formal report or a casual message, these alternatives help you express your feelings precisely without repeating the same phrase too often.

Closest Synonyms for Disgusting

Repulsive: Causing a strong feeling of disgust; the food smelled so repulsive that no one could eat it.
Loathsome: Deserving hatred or disgust; the loathsome creature scurried away into the shadows quickly.
Nauseating: Causing the urge to vomit; the nauseating smell filled the small room instantly.
Repellent: Disgusting enough to cause repulsion; the repellent sight made everyone turn their heads away.
Foul: Very unpleasant or dirty; the foul air made it impossible to breathe comfortably.
Gross: Very unpleasant or disgusting; it was gross to see such a mess on the floor.
Revolting: Causing a feeling of intense disgust; the revolting behavior shocked the entire crowd.
Sickening: Causing nausea or disgust; the sickening crash echoed through the quiet valley.
Offensive: Causing anger or resentment; the offensive comment was taken down immediately by the host.
Putrid: Decayed and smelling very bad; the putrid fruit had to be thrown away right away.
Vile: Deserving hatred or contempt; the vile treatment was unacceptable in any society.
Foul-smelling: Having a very bad odor; the foul-smelling trash caused a complaint from the neighbors.

Formal Synonyms for Disgusting

Repugnant: Contrary to or unacceptable to one's taste or morality; the repugnant proposal was rejected without hesitation.
Abominable: Extremely unpleasant or offensive; the abominable conditions were reported to the authorities.
Detestable: Deserving hatred or extreme dislike; the detestable lies were exposed during the meeting.
Odious: Extremely unpleasant or annoying; the odious noise disturbed the entire neighborhood.
Scornful: Showing or feeling disdain; the scornful attitude was evident in his cold response.
Unpleasant: Causing discomfort or displeasure; the unpleasant task took hours to complete alone.
Unpalatable: Disagreeable or offensive; the unpalatable truth was hard for them to accept.
Reprehensible: Deserving disapproval or punishment; the reprehensible act led to immediate consequences.
Detrimental: Acting as a danger or harm; the detrimental effects were studied by experts.

Informal Synonyms for Disgusting

Yucky: Unpleasant to taste or smell; the yucky soup was thrown out after one bite.
Creepy: Causing a feeling of fear or unease; the creepy house stood at the end of the street.
Grossed out: Feeling strong disgust; I was grossed out by the movie scene yesterday.
Nasty: Unpleasant or disagreeable; the nasty smell filled the room quickly.
Repulsed: Felt strong disgust; I was repulsed by the thought of eating that bug.
Yuck: Used to express disgust; Yuck, I do not like that texture at all.
Grosser: More disgusting than something else; this version is much grosser than the first one.
Rotten: Decayed or spoiled; the rotten food made everyone feel sick.

Stronger and Weaker Words

Unappealing: Weaker; suggests something is not attractive but not necessarily disgusting.
Metic: weaker
Distasteful: weaker
Off-putting: weaker
Tacky: weaker
annoying: weaker
irritating: weaker

Antonyms for Disgusting

Delightful
Pleasant
Attractive
Appealing
Lovely
Charming
Refreshing
Savory
Wholesome
Admirable

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the correct synonym for disgusting depends on the specific context and the intensity of the feeling you wish to convey. Start by assessing whether the object is physically repulsive, morally offensive, or merely unpleasant, as these distinctions dictate which word fits best. Consider the audience and the tone of your writing, ensuring that the chosen term aligns with the level of formality required while accurately reflecting your intended emotional impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between disgusting and repulsive?

While both words imply strong dislike, repulsive often suggests a more active rejection or a physical sensation of being pushed away, whereas disgusting can refer to anything that causes revulsion, including moral offenses or bad smells.

Are there formal words for describing something disgusting?

Yes, words like repugnant, abominable, and detestable are often used in formal writing or professional contexts to describe something that causes disgust or deserves strong condemnation without sounding too casual.

What is a strong synonym for disgusting that is not too common?

Words like odious or abhorrent provide a strong alternative to disgusting, conveying deep hatred or repulsion while sounding slightly more sophisticated than common terms like gross or yucky.

How do I describe something disgusting in writing?

To describe something disgusting in writing, use specific sensory details and choose a synonym that matches the severity of the situation, ensuring the description evokes the intended reaction in the reader without being overly repetitive.