1
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Apple’s Dope Thief, about a narcotics heist that becomes something much bigger, is the kind of sturdy, unpretentious series that could do well in a year where there’s a lot of flashy junk.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 May 2025
The primary element is a modest member of the legume family, the unpretentious black-eyed pea.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
But since inheriting the space that was the longtime home to Parisi Bakery, a supplier to many of the city’s top eateries, the spot has discreetly established itself as a stylish yet unpretentious refuge for fashion world fixtures to congregate on and off duty.
—Laura Neilson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
With a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and a kitchen that’s truly at the top of its game, this is one of Florence’s best fine dining experiences.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 May 2025
The primary element is a modest member of the legume family, the unpretentious black-eyed pea.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
But since inheriting the space that was the longtime home to Parisi Bakery, a supplier to many of the city’s top eateries, the spot has discreetly established itself as a stylish yet unpretentious refuge for fashion world fixtures to congregate on and off duty.
—Laura Neilson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
With a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and a kitchen that’s truly at the top of its game, this is one of Florence’s best fine dining experiences.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
-
Both WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines said their operations were unaffected by the hacks.—
Sean Lyngaas,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
-
Russian Security Council deputy chairman of Dmitry Medvedev also said Iran's critical nuclear infrastructure appeared to be unaffected or to have sustained only minor damage.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The quiet horror is that even 20 years later, the fence has not disappeared.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
-
When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of public emergency in 1975, normally boisterous outdoor meeting spaces, public buses, and pubs suddenly went quiet.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The company remains true to the humble ethic of hard work and friendly customer service embodied by the founding family.—
Emma Marsden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
These humble movie moments have now become the foundation of a trending dinner party format.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Coach Wall was a remarkable individual whose kindness and genuine spirit touched all who knew him.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
-
Today's audiences—both Hispanic and non-Hispanic—are savvy, diverse, and crave genuine representation and storytelling.—
Isaac Mizrahi,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
The halter neckline, open back, and flowing fabric give it a breezy, resort-ready vibe—especially in the muted sage green.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
-
Natural light pours in through the windows, highlighting the soft textures and muted palette.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Raj’s meek voice could faintly be heard against the jarring cacophony of honking horns, street performers, and the chatter of street vendors and passersby.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
24 June 2025
-
From small and relatively meek beginnings, proboscideans eventually evolved into herbivorous, elephantine giants with a broad array of different tusk arrangements and shapes.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Defying the typical approach where women tend to remain subdued and silent, often fearful of additional scrutiny.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
Its madras inventory today includes these seven-inch shorts in a slightly more subdued and earthy pattern and color.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share