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Definitions

off-putting

[awf-poot-ing, of-] / ˈɔfˌpʊt ɪŋ, ˈɒf- /
ADJECTIVE
discouraging
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bleak depressing disappointing disheartening dismal dispiriting dreary gloomy
STRONG
black dampening daunting deterring dismaying dissuading hindering repressing
WEAK
depressive disadvantageous inopportune oppressive unfavorable unpropitious
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful encouraging happy light pleasant sunny
WEAK
auspicious favorable heartening inspiring inspiriting
ADJECTIVE
forbidding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
frightening grim menacing sinister threatening
STRONG
foreboding glowering hostile offensive repellent tough
WEAK
abhorrent disagreeable dour odious repulsive ugly unapproachable unfriendly unpleasant
Antonyms
STRONGEST
nice
STRONG
agreeable gentle kind
WEAK
approachable friendly undaunting
ADJECTIVE
repulsive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abhorrent creepy distasteful hateful hideous nasty objectionable odious revolting ugly unpleasant vile
WEAK
abominable animal disagreeable forbidding foul gross horrid loathsome nauseating noisome obnoxious pugnacious repellent sickening sleazy undesirable unsightly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable attractive beautiful delightful friendly gentle good great kind nice pleasant pleasing safe wonderful
WEAK
enchanting inviting
ADJECTIVE
unhospitable
Synonyms
WEAK
abhorrent disagreeable dour foreboding frightening glowering grim hostile inhospitable menacing odious offensive repellent repulsive sinister threatening tough ugly unapproachable unfriendly uninviting unpleasant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For some voters, the sheer volume of gubernatorial candidates — 61 in all — was off-putting.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Lutnick said he found the comment "off-putting", and so he and his wife excused themselves and left the home.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

And as off-putting as it may be, this rebellion from pleasant form is innately, delightfully feminine.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

Restaurant tabs are off-putting, contractors are expensive and taxes are high.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Actually, I found the amount of attention that I was getting to be very off-putting.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley

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