Quick Answer: The best synonyms for disgusted include repulsed, revolted, sickened, appalled, horrified, offended, outraged, nauseated, disturbed, and grossed out. Use repulsed or revolted for a strong reaction to something unpleasant. Choose appalled, horrified, or outraged when reacting to immoral behavior. Sickened and nauseated can describe physical or emotional revulsion, while grossed out is more suitable for casual conversation.
Pronunciation and Word Details
Word: Disgusted.
Pronunciation: /dɪsˈɡʌstɪd/.
Part of Speech: Adjective.
Meaning: Feeling strong dislike, revulsion, or disapproval toward something unpleasant, offensive, or morally wrong.
US Pronunciation:
UK Pronunciation:
What Does “Disgusted” Mean?
Disgusted means feeling a powerful sense of dislike, revulsion, or disapproval toward a person, action, object, smell, taste, or situation.
The word disgusted is an adjective. It describes the emotional or physical reaction of someone who finds something deeply unpleasant, offensive, or unacceptable.
A person can feel disgusted by spoiled food, a dirty environment, cruel behavior, dishonesty, unfair treatment, or an upsetting decision. The exact meaning depends on the surrounding context.
In physical contexts, disgusted may suggest nausea or bodily discomfort. In moral contexts, it usually communicates strong disapproval, shock, anger, or disappointment.
Physical Reaction: She felt disgusted by the smell coming from the container.
Moral Reaction: The community was disgusted by the cruel treatment of the animals.
Personal Disappointment: He was disgusted with himself for breaking his promise.
Strong Disapproval: The employees were disgusted by the manager’s dishonest behavior.
Meaning, Tone, and Context of “Disgusted”
Disgusted has a strong and emotional tone. It communicates more than ordinary dislike. It suggests that something feels extremely unpleasant, offensive, dirty, cruel, dishonest, or morally unacceptable.
The word is common in both formal and conversational English. However, its strength should match the situation being described.
Neutral Context: Disgusted can describe a clear emotional reaction without sounding overly dramatic.
Emotional Context: It may express anger, disappointment, horror, or revulsion.
Formal Context: Words such as appalled, outraged, offended, and dismayed may be more appropriate in reports, essays, complaints, or professional communication.
Casual Context: Grossed out, fed up, turned off, and sick of it are common in everyday speech.
Physical Context: Nauseated, sickened, queasy, and repulsed describe reactions to unpleasant sights, smells, tastes, or conditions.
Moral Context: Appalled, horrified, outraged, and scandalized describe reactions to unethical, cruel, or unacceptable behavior.
When and How to Use “Disgusted”
For Physical Revulsion
Use disgusted when a sight, smell, taste, or texture creates a strong unpleasant reaction.
Example: She was disgusted by the spoiled food in the refrigerator.
For Moral Disapproval
Use disgusted when behavior seems cruel, dishonest, unfair, or unethical.
Example: The public was disgusted by the mistreatment of vulnerable people.
For Personal Disappointment
Use disgusted with when someone feels ashamed or deeply disappointed in themselves or another person.
Example: He felt disgusted with himself for lying to his closest friend.
For Offensive Behavior
Use disgusted when someone’s words, attitude, or actions cause strong offense.
Example: We were disgusted by his disrespectful comments.
For Unpleasant Conditions
Use disgusted when describing a reaction to dirt, pollution, neglect, or poor hygiene.
Example: The visitors were disgusted by the condition of the building.
For Repeated Frustration
Disgusted can express extreme dissatisfaction after repeated problems, although fed up may sound more natural in casual speech.
Example: The customers were disgusted with the continued lack of service.
Best Synonyms for Disgusted
Repulsed
Synonym: Feeling a powerful desire to move away from something extremely unpleasant.
Example: She was repulsed by the smell of the rotten vegetables.
Revolted
Synonym: Feeling intense disgust or moral rejection.
Example: The audience was revolted by the character’s cruelty.
Sickened
Synonym: Made physically or emotionally ill by something disturbing.
Example: He was sickened by the reports of animal abuse.
Appalled
Synonym: Extremely shocked and disapproving.
Example: The parents were appalled by the school’s careless response.
Horrified
Synonym: Filled with shock, fear, or intense disapproval.
Example: She was horrified by the damage caused to the historic building.
Offended
Synonym: Upset or insulted by improper words or behavior.
Example: Many guests were offended by the inappropriate joke.
Outraged
Synonym: Extremely angry because something is unfair or morally wrong.
Example: Residents were outraged by the decision to destroy the park.
Nauseated
Synonym: Feeling physically sick or emotionally repelled.
Example: The terrible odor left him feeling nauseated.
Disturbed
Synonym: Emotionally troubled by something upsetting or inappropriate.
Example: Viewers were disturbed by the violent scene.
Grossed Out
Synonym: Feeling disgusted in a casual or conversational way.
Example: The children were grossed out by the slimy insects.
50 Synonyms for Disgusted With Short Meanings
- Repulsed: Strongly driven away by something unpleasant.
- Revolted: Filled with intense disgust or rejection.
- Sickened: Made physically or emotionally ill.
- Appalled: Extremely shocked and disapproving.
- Horrified: Deeply shocked, frightened, or disgusted.
- Offended: Upset by disrespectful or improper behavior.
- Outraged: Extremely angry about something unacceptable.
- Nauseated: Feeling sick because of something unpleasant.
- Disturbed: Emotionally troubled by something upsetting.
- Grossed Out: Disgusted in an informal or casual way.
- Repelled: Made to feel strong dislike or rejection.
- Aghast: Filled with sudden shock or horror.
- Scandalized: Shocked by behavior considered improper.
- Shocked: Surprised and upset by something disturbing.
- Dismayed: Distressed or disappointed by an unpleasant situation.
- Distressed: Deeply worried or emotionally upset.
- Troubled: Concerned or disturbed by something wrong.
- Displeased: Unhappy or dissatisfied with something.
- Annoyed: Slightly angry or irritated.
- Irritated: Bothered or made impatient.
- Exasperated: Extremely annoyed after repeated problems.
- Fed Up: Tired and angry about a continuing situation.
- Weary: Tired of dealing with something unpleasant.
- Disapproving: Showing that something is unacceptable.
- Contemptuous: Feeling that someone or something deserves no respect.
- Disdainful: Showing strong dislike and lack of respect.
- Scornful: Expressing contempt or mocking rejection.
- Indignant: Angry because something seems unfair or insulting.
- Incensed: Made extremely angry by offensive behavior.
- Affronted: Insulted or offended by disrespect.
- Insulted: Hurt or angered by disrespectful treatment.
- Resentful: Bitter about unfair or unpleasant treatment.
- Bitter: Angry and unhappy because of past treatment.
- Nauseous: Feeling physically sick or revolted.
- Queasy: Feeling slightly sick or uncomfortable.
- Sick to the Stomach: Feeling physically or emotionally nauseated.
- Turned Off: Made uninterested because something is unpleasant.
- Put Off: Discouraged or repelled by something.
- Alienated: Made to feel distant or disconnected.
- Disenchanted: No longer pleased because reality is disappointing.
- Disillusioned: Disappointed after discovering an unpleasant truth.
- Dissatisfied: Unhappy because expectations were not met.
- Ashamed: Feeling embarrassed or guilty about something wrong.
- Mortified: Extremely embarrassed, ashamed, or shocked.
- Embarrassed: Uncomfortable because of shame or awkwardness.
- Full of Revulsion: Experiencing an intense feeling of disgust.
- Filled With Loathing: Experiencing powerful hatred or dislike.
- Unable to Stomach: Unable to accept or tolerate something unpleasant.
- Sick at Heart: Deeply saddened or emotionally disturbed.
- Taken Aback: Suddenly surprised and disturbed.
Read Also:
Synonyms for Choices
Synonyms for Disgusted by Context
When Disgusted Means Physically Repulsed
Use these synonyms when something unpleasant affects the senses or causes a feeling of sickness.
Repulsed: Strongly driven away by an unpleasant sight, smell, taste, or texture.
Example: She was repulsed by the mold covering the bread.
Nauseated: Feeling physically sick because of an unpleasant experience.
Example: The odor from the drain made everyone nauseated.
Queasy: Feeling mildly sick or uncomfortable.
Example: He felt queasy after looking at the spoiled meal.
Sickened: Made physically or emotionally ill.
Example: The sight of the dirty kitchen sickened the inspector.
Grossed Out: Informally disgusted by something unpleasant.
Example: The children were grossed out by the muddy worms.
When Disgusted Means Morally Outraged
Use these words when reacting to cruelty, corruption, injustice, dishonesty, or unethical conduct.
Appalled: Shocked and strongly disapproving.
Example: The committee was appalled by the deliberate deception.
Outraged: Extremely angry about unfair or immoral behavior.
Example: Citizens were outraged by the misuse of public funds.
Horrified: Deeply shocked by something disturbing or cruel.
Example: She was horrified by the way the workers were treated.
Scandalized: Shocked by conduct considered socially or morally improper.
Example: The community was scandalized by the official’s behavior.
Indignant: Angry because something is unfair or insulting.
Example: He was indignant about the false accusations.
When Disgusted Means Offended
Use these alternatives when words or behavior feel insulting, rude, or inappropriate.
Offended: Upset by disrespectful words or actions.
Example: Several guests were offended by the speaker’s remarks.
Affronted: Personally insulted or treated without respect.
Example: She felt affronted by the dismissive response.
Insulted: Hurt or angered by disrespect.
Example: He was insulted by the suggestion that he had cheated.
Incensed: Extremely angry because of offensive behavior.
Example: The customer was incensed by the rude treatment.
When Disgusted Means Tired of Something
Use these expressions when disgust develops after repeated disappointment, frustration, or poor treatment.
Fed Up: No longer willing to tolerate a situation.
Example: Residents were fed up with the constant delays.
Exasperated: Extremely annoyed by repeated difficulties.
Example: She became exasperated by the endless excuses.
Weary: Tired of experiencing the same problem.
Example: The staff grew weary of the changing instructions.
Dissatisfied: Unhappy because something is not good enough.
Example: Customers were dissatisfied with the poor service.
When Disgusted Means Disappointed
Use these synonyms when the feeling comes from discovering an unpleasant truth.
Disillusioned: Disappointed after learning that something is not as good as expected.
Example: He became disillusioned with the organization’s leadership.
Disenchanted: No longer impressed, pleased, or hopeful.
Example: Voters became disenchanted with the repeated promises.
Dismayed: Upset or disappointed by an unexpected problem.
Example: She was dismayed by the careless decision.
Troubled: Worried or disturbed by what happened.
Example: The teacher was troubled by the student’s behavior.
Another Word for Disgusted
Repulsed is often the best single replacement for disgusted when describing a strong negative reaction. However, the most accurate alternative depends on why the person feels disgust.
Use appalled for moral shock, nauseated for physical sickness, offended for disrespect, outraged for anger about injustice, and grossed out for casual speech.
Original: She was disgusted by the smell in the basement.
Better Option: She was repulsed by the smell in the basement.
Original: The public was disgusted by the dishonest decision.
Better Option: The public was outraged by the dishonest decision.
Original: I was disgusted by his rude comment.
Better Option: I was offended by his rude comment.
Original: The children were disgusted by the slimy texture.
Better Option: The children were grossed out by the slimy texture.
When Not to Use “Disgusted”
Do not use disgusted when the reaction is only mild. Words such as annoyed, displeased, disappointed, or uncomfortable may be more accurate.
Avoid using disgusted repeatedly in the same paragraph. Choose a synonym that explains the exact emotional reaction.
Do not use a physical synonym such as nauseated when the context only involves disagreement. Likewise, do not use outraged when the feeling is mainly caused by an unpleasant smell or taste.
When the Reaction Is Mild
Weak: She was disgusted because the meeting started five minutes late.
Better: She was annoyed because the meeting started five minutes late.
When the Meaning Is Disappointment
Weak: He was disgusted when his application was unsuccessful.
Better: He was disappointed when his application was unsuccessful.
When the Meaning Is Moral Anger
Weak: Residents were disgusted by the unfair policy.
Better: Residents were outraged by the unfair policy.
When the Meaning Is Physical Sickness
Weak: The smell made her disgusted.
Better: The smell made her nauseated.
When the Meaning Is Personal Offense
Weak: He was disgusted by the insulting remark.
Better: He was offended by the insulting remark.
Words Commonly Confused With Disgusted
Disgusted vs Disgusting: Disgusted describes the person experiencing the feeling. Disgusting describes the thing causing the feeling.
Example With Disgusted: I was disgusted by the dirty floor.
Example With Disgusting: The dirty floor was disgusting.
Disgusted vs Disappointed: Disgusted expresses strong revulsion or disapproval. Disappointed expresses sadness because expectations were not met.
Example With Disgusted: She was disgusted by his cruel behavior.
Example With Disappointed: She was disappointed by his poor performance.
Disgusted vs Offended: Disgusted suggests revulsion or strong disapproval. Offended means hurt or insulted by words or behavior.
Example With Disgusted: They were disgusted by the corruption.
Example With Offended: They were offended by the rude comment.
Disgusted vs Appalled: Disgusted focuses on revulsion. Appalled combines strong disapproval with shock.
Example With Disgusted: He was disgusted by the filthy conditions.
Example With Appalled: He was appalled that the conditions had been ignored for years.
Disgusted vs Outraged: Disgusted emphasizes intense dislike. Outraged emphasizes extreme anger about injustice or wrongdoing.
Example With Disgusted: The residents were disgusted by the official’s dishonesty.
Example With Outraged: The residents were outraged that no action was taken.
Disgusted vs Nauseated: Disgusted can describe emotional or physical revulsion. Nauseated mainly describes the feeling of being physically sick.
Example With Disgusted: She was disgusted by the cruel joke.
Example With Nauseated: She became nauseated by the strong odor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Choose repulsed when describing a powerful reaction to something physically or emotionally unpleasant.
Choose revolted when the feeling involves intense rejection or moral disgust.
Choose sickened when disturbing information or behavior makes someone feel emotionally or physically ill.
Choose appalled for formal writing about behavior that is shocking and unacceptable.
Choose horrified when the reaction includes fear, shock, or alarm.
Choose outraged when emphasizing anger about injustice, cruelty, or dishonesty.
Choose offended when someone feels insulted by words, jokes, gestures, or treatment.
Choose nauseated when describing physical sickness caused by a sight, smell, taste, or experience.
Choose disturbed when the reaction is serious but less openly emotional.
Choose dismayed when expressing concern, disappointment, or distress.
Choose grossed out for casual conversation about something dirty, slimy, unpleasant, or strange.
Choose fed up when the feeling develops after repeated problems or frustration.
Choose disillusioned when someone loses trust after discovering an unpleasant truth.
Choose contemptuous when the reaction includes a belief that someone deserves little or no respect.
Real Life Examples of “Disgusted” in Sentences
Original: She was disgusted by the smell of the spoiled milk.
Better Option: She was nauseated by the smell of the spoiled milk.
Original: The public was disgusted by the official’s dishonesty.
Better Option: The public was outraged by the official’s dishonesty.
Original: He felt disgusted with himself for breaking his promise.
Better Option: He felt ashamed of himself for breaking his promise.
Original: The inspectors were disgusted by the kitchen’s condition.
Better Option: The inspectors were appalled by the kitchen’s condition.
Original: We were disgusted by the cruel treatment of the animals.
Better Option: We were sickened by the cruel treatment of the animals.
Original: She looked disgusted after tasting the bitter drink.
Better Option: She looked repulsed after tasting the bitter drink.
Original: They were disgusted by his disrespectful remarks.
Better Option: They were offended by his disrespectful remarks.
Original: I was disgusted by the insects covering the food.
Better Option: I was grossed out by the insects covering the food.
Original: The employees were disgusted with the repeated excuses.
Better Option: The employees were fed up with the repeated excuses.
Original: He was disgusted after learning how the company had treated its workers.
Better Option: He was horrified after learning how the workers had been treated.
Synonym Groups and Usage Differences
Physical Revulsion Group
Repulsed, nauseated, sickened, queasy, and grossed out describe reactions to unpleasant sights, smells, tastes, textures, or conditions.
Repulsed is strong and widely useful. Nauseated focuses on physical sickness. Queasy is milder, while grossed out is informal.
Example: The odor from the abandoned container left everyone nauseated.
Moral Disapproval Group
Appalled, outraged, horrified, scandalized, and indignant describe reactions to unethical, unfair, cruel, or socially unacceptable behavior.
Outraged emphasizes anger. Appalled emphasizes shock and disapproval. Indignant suggests anger caused by unfairness or insult.
Example: Residents were outraged by the deliberate destruction of the community garden.
Offense Group
Offended, affronted, insulted, and incensed describe reactions to disrespectful language or treatment.
Offended is the most general option. Affronted sounds formal. Incensed is much stronger and includes intense anger.
Example: She was offended by the personal criticism.
Frustration Group
Fed up, exasperated, annoyed, irritated, and weary describe reactions to repeated problems.
Fed up means someone no longer wants to tolerate the situation. Exasperated suggests extreme frustration. Annoyed and irritated are milder.
Example: The passengers were fed up with the repeated cancellations.
Disappointment Group
Dismayed, disillusioned, disenchanted, dissatisfied, and troubled describe emotional reactions to disappointing information or experiences.
Disillusioned means losing a previously positive belief. Dismayed communicates sudden concern or disappointment.
Example: Supporters became disillusioned after discovering the truth.
Contempt Group
Contemptuous, disdainful, and scornful combine dislike with a lack of respect.
Contemptuous is strong and serious. Disdainful often suggests superiority. Scornful may involve mockery or open disrespect.
Example: His contemptuous response made productive discussion impossible.
Antonyms of Disgusted
The opposite of disgusted depends on whether the word describes pleasure, approval, attraction, satisfaction, or admiration.
Delighted: Feeling great happiness or pleasure.
Pleased: Feeling satisfied or happy about something.
Impressed: Feeling admiration because something seems excellent.
Attracted: Drawn toward someone or something.
Fascinated: Extremely interested or captivated.
Enthusiastic: Showing strong interest or excitement.
Satisfied: Content because expectations were met.
Approving: Believing that something is acceptable or good.
Admiring: Feeling respect, approval, or appreciation.
Comfortable: Feeling relaxed rather than disturbed.
Reassured: Feeling less worried after receiving comfort or information.
Charmed: Delighted or attracted by someone or something.
Tempted: Feeling a desire to try or obtain something.
Captivated: Completely attracted or interested.
Thrilled: Extremely pleased or excited.
Comparison: Disgusted vs Related Words
Disgusted vs Repulsed
Disgusted describes strong dislike or revulsion in many situations. Repulsed places greater emphasis on wanting to move away from or reject something.
Example With Disgusted: She was disgusted by the dirty sink.
Example With Repulsed: She was repulsed by the insects inside the sink.
Disgusted vs Revolted
Disgusted is common and flexible. Revolted is stronger and often suggests intense physical or moral rejection.
Example With Disgusted: The visitors were disgusted by the mess.
Example With Revolted: The visitors were revolted by the cruelty they witnessed.
Disgusted vs Appalled
Disgusted focuses on strong dislike or revulsion. Appalled combines shock with strong disapproval and often works well in formal writing.
Example With Disgusted: I was disgusted by his behavior.
Example With Appalled: I was appalled that such behavior had been permitted.
Disgusted vs Horrified
Disgusted communicates revulsion. Horrified adds fear, alarm, or intense shock.
Example With Disgusted: She was disgusted by the dishonest act.
Example With Horrified: She was horrified by the severe consequences of the act.
Disgusted vs Outraged
Disgusted emphasizes strong dislike. Outraged emphasizes anger about something unfair, cruel, or unethical.
Example With Disgusted: People were disgusted by the unfair decision.
Example With Outraged: People were outraged that the decision could not be challenged.
Disgusted vs Offended
Disgusted suggests revulsion or moral rejection. Offended means hurt, insulted, or upset by disrespect.
Example With Disgusted: He was disgusted by the hateful message.
Example With Offended: He was offended by the personal insult.
Disgusted vs Sickened
Disgusted is a broad emotional description. Sickened suggests that the reaction is so strong that it creates physical or emotional illness.
Example With Disgusted: She was disgusted by the report.
Example With Sickened: She was sickened by the details in the report.
Disgusted vs Grossed Out
Disgusted works in formal and informal situations. Grossed out is casual and often describes unpleasant sights, smells, textures, or bodily details.
Example With Disgusted: The inspector was disgusted by the unsanitary conditions.
Example With Grossed Out: The children were grossed out by the slimy substance.
Common Phrases and Expressions With Disgusted
Absolutely Disgusted: Experiencing an extremely strong feeling of disgust.
Deeply Disgusted: Feeling serious emotional or moral disapproval.
Completely Disgusted: Feeling disgust without any uncertainty.
Thoroughly Disgusted: Disgusted in a complete and intense way.
Visibly Disgusted: Showing disgust clearly through facial expression or behavior.
Disgusted With Someone: Feeling strong disapproval toward a person.
Disgusted With Yourself: Feeling ashamed or disappointed about your own behavior.
Disgusted By Something: Feeling revulsion because of a particular cause.
Disgusted At the Behavior: Strongly disapproving of someone’s actions.
Looked Disgusted: Appeared to experience strong dislike or revulsion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing Disgusted and Disgusting
Disgusted describes the person who experiences the emotion. Disgusting describes the thing that causes it.
Incorrect: I felt disgusting when I saw the dirty bathroom.
Correct: I felt disgusted when I saw the dirty bathroom.
Correct: The dirty bathroom was disgusting.
Using Disgusted for Mild Annoyance
Disgusted is usually too strong for small inconveniences.
Unnatural: I was disgusted because my pen stopped working.
Better: I was annoyed because my pen stopped working.
Repeating Disgusted Too Often
Repeated use can make writing sound flat. Select synonyms that reveal whether the reaction involves sickness, anger, shock, offense, or disappointment.
Repetitive: She was disgusted by the room and disgusted by the smell.
Better: She was appalled by the room and nauseated by the smell.
Choosing the Wrong Emotional Synonym
Outraged describes anger about wrongdoing, while nauseated describes physical sickness. They are not interchangeable in every context.
Unnatural: The spoiled food made him outraged.
Better: The spoiled food made him nauseated.
Using Grossed Out in Formal Writing
Grossed out is conversational and may sound too casual in essays, reports, or formal complaints.
Casual: The inspectors were grossed out by the conditions.
Formal: The inspectors were appalled by the conditions.
Using the Wrong Preposition
Disgusted is commonly followed by with, by, or at.
Use disgusted with for a person, organization, repeated situation, or yourself.
Example: She was disgusted with the dishonest employee.
Use disgusted by for the cause of the feeling.
Example: She was disgusted by his dishonesty.
Use disgusted at for a reaction to behavior, an event, or a situation.
Example: They were disgusted at the lack of concern.
Conclusion
The best synonyms for disgusted depend on the cause and strength of the reaction. Repulsed, revolted, nauseated, and sickened describe physical or emotional revulsion. Appalled, horrified, indignant, and outraged work well for moral disapproval, while offended suits disrespectful language or treatment. Grossed out is useful in casual conversation, and fed up describes frustration with repeated problems. Choosing precise synonyms for disgusted makes descriptions clearer, more natural, and better suited to the intended tone.
FAQs About Synonyms for Disgusted
What Is the Best Synonym for Disgusted?
Repulsed is one of the best general synonyms for disgusted. Appalled is better for moral shock, while nauseated is more accurate for physical sickness.
What Is a Stronger Word Than Disgusted?
Revolted, horrified, sickened, and appalled can sound stronger than disgusted. The best option depends on whether the reaction involves revulsion, fear, shock, or moral disapproval.
What Is a Formal Synonym for Disgusted?
Appalled, repulsed, dismayed, scandalized, and outraged are suitable formal alternatives. Appalled is especially useful when describing shocking or unacceptable behavior.
What Is a Casual Synonym for Disgusted?
Grossed out is a common casual synonym. Turned off, put off, fed up, and sick of it may also work depending on the context.
Can Disgusted Mean Angry?
Disgusted can include anger, especially when someone reacts to cruelty, dishonesty, or injustice. Outraged, indignant, or incensed may express the anger more clearly.
What Is the Difference Between Disgusted and Disappointed?
Disgusted expresses strong revulsion or disapproval. Disappointed describes sadness because an outcome or person did not meet expectations.
Is Repulsed the Same as Disgusted?
Repulsed and disgusted are similar, but repulsed often suggests a stronger desire to reject, avoid, or move away from something unpleasant.
