unpretentious

adjective

ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
Definition of unpretentiousnext
1
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quiet
not excessively showy lives in a rather unpretentious house for someone so wealthy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness the unpretentious disposition of an award-winning scientist who has nothing to prove to anyone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unpretentious Few places exemplify the town’s unpretentious charm better than Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 Albany has also managed to cultivate a refreshingly unpretentious, small-town feel. — Barbara Noe Kennedy, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 This intimate bar strikes a balance between intentional cocktails and an unpretentious vibe. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 Its offerings—greasy-spoon staples like egg sandwiches piled with crispy bacon, cheese, and jalapeño—are elevated in quality and unpretentious in nature. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
  1. genuine
  2. quiet
  3. humble
  4. unaffected
  5. muted
  6. meek
  7. honest
  8. subdued
Adjective
  • In the artists who are asking that people leave their phones at home or in their pockets at concerts, in the genuine concern over whether younger generations are going to be able to read like older generations.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No government has publicly disclosed how many were judged genuine.
    — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • In a statement posted on social media, Obama highlighted Parton’s humble roots, colossal impact in music and Hollywood, and her philanthropic work.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In her songs, stage banter and interviews, Parton always presented herself as a humble, yet audacious mountain dreamer made good.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The same statement also said that construction and installation at facilities unaffected by the fire would continue as normal and that air quality was being continuously monitored.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the facility was unaffected with no other injuries reported, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
    — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • Despite its subdued colorway, the knee-length dress is covered entirely in beadwork.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Unemployment continued to fall while inflation remained subdued.
    — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued

Browse Nearby Words

unpretending
unpretentious
unpretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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