unvarnished

adjective

un·​var·​nished ˌən-ˈvär-nisht How to pronounce unvarnished (audio)
Synonyms of unvarnishednext
1
a
: not adorned or glossed : plain, straightforward
told the unvarnished truth
b
: artless, frank
… the unvarnished candor of old people and children.Janet 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
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.
Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV stepped up to the microphone and with unvarnished vigor defended his quarterback. Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026 Bertinelli, at 65 and perennially adorable in a beret, glasses and comfy striped sweater, is chatting from her bedroom, sipping from a mug and sharing unvarnished insights about love, self-acceptance and moving beyond traumas that might otherwise define us. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 The exchange underscored the unvarnished, anything-goes nature of the podcast, which appears designed to feel more like friends hanging out than a polished production. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026 The project was kicked into motion by unvarnished conversations with friends, including Florence, who fearlessly shared her breast cancer story with me and online. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026 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 12 Mar. 2026.

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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