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
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This type of unvarnished discourse is refreshing in a game filled with dishonesty, spin, and secretive media briefings. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Their unvarnished alt-rock was led by wild-eyed singer Matt Shultz, a human rubber band who exhausted himself despite his vocals disappearing into the strong breeze. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 The real value of State Department staff is their ability to speak truth to power, offer unvarnished analysis, and keep U.S. diplomacy steady no matter who's in the White House. John Dinkelman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 Famed journalist and author Joan Didion’s life and work are celebrated in this unvarnished portrait by her nephew, actor and director Griffin Dunne. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unvarnished

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unvarnished was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Unvarnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unvarnished. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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