unvarnished

adjective

un·​var·​nished ˌən-ˈvär-nisht How to pronounce unvarnished (audio)
1
a
: not adorned or glossed : plain, straightforward
told the unvarnished truth
b
: artless, frank
the unvarnished candor of old people and childrenJanet Flanner
2
: not coated with or as if with varnish : crude, unfinished

Examples of unvarnished in a Sentence

If you want my unvarnished opinion, the movie stinks. I'm telling the unvarnished truth.
Recent Examples on the Web Kudos to Reichardt for this unvarnished portrait of the creative process. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 But none have come close to Trump’s unvarnished quid pro quo on spending. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 What about Cronin’s tendency to share his unvarnished thoughts with the media? Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 Further, feeling included and valued empowers employees to share unvarnished perspectives and think outside the box rather than conform to norms. Michael D. Brown, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Related article ‘The enemy is amassing’: Ukrainian army officials give unvarnished account of the battlefield Zelensky said 50 prisoner swaps had now taken place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion nearly two years ago, through which Ukraine had brought 3035 soldiers home. Anna Chernova, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024 The material, which includes casual correspondence with like-minded allies around the country, also reveals unvarnished views on race, sexuality and gender roles. Nicholas Confessore, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2024 In front of a very enthusiastic audience of more than 600 fans, students and SAG-AFTRA members, actor Matt Bomer shared an unvarnished take on the heartache, hurdles and proudest moments he’s experienced in his 20-year film and television career. Stacey Wilson Hunt, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024 To label them saviors is not hyperbole, but the unvarnished and admirable truth. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unvarnished.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unvarnished was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near unvarnished

Cite this Entry

“Unvarnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unvarnished. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unvarnished

adjective
un·​var·​nished ˌən-ˈvär-nisht How to pronounce unvarnished (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not adorned or exaggerated : plain
the unvarnished truth
2
: not varnished
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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