unvarnished

adjective

un·​var·​nished ˌən-ˈvär-nisht 

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

Synonyms

• simple
• plain
• unadorned
• naked

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

Those sets, lovingly captured on the Live at Sin-é compilation, present unvarnished early versions of the songs that would populate Grace. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 6 Aug. 2025

In times of crisis, the markets turn to Dimon as a source of clear and unvarnished authority. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025

Each summer, two college football preview magazines deliver a handful of unvarnished views on the state of each program. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025

These unvarnished insights are pure gold for understanding your brand's current standing. —Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unvarnished

• garnished
• tarnished
• varnished
• untarnished

Kids Definition

unvarnished

adjective

un·​var·​nished ˌən-ˈvär-nisht 

ˈən-

1

: not adorned or exaggerated : plain

the unvarnished truth

2

: not varnished