Definition of artlessnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word artless different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of artless are ingenuous, naive, natural, and unsophisticated. While all these words mean "free from pretension or calculation," artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others.

artless charm

When is it sensible to use ingenuous instead of artless?

While the synonyms ingenuous and artless are close in meaning, ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions.

the ingenuous enthusiasm of children

When would naive be a good substitute for artless?

Although the words naive and artless have much in common, naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence.

politically naive

Where would natural be a reasonable alternative to artless?

While in some cases nearly identical to artless, natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world.

her unaffected, natural manner

When might unsophisticated be a better fit than artless?

The synonyms unsophisticated and artless are sometimes interchangeable, but unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness.

unsophisticated adolescents

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 artless Viewers, meanwhile, get artless plots with familiar faces in glamorous locations that offered decent tax incentives. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025 In her practice, Palazzolo focuses heavily on industrial materials as a way of turning things perceived as artless or overtly masculine on their head. Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 While the naked manicure trend has been reigning supreme among celebrities, Dua Lipa has forwent the current nail artless aesthetic for something altogether more starry and summer-ready. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 May 2025 First adapted for the screen by Otto Preminger in 1958, the film starred David Niven and Jean Seberg, forever conflating the author in the public imagination with the artless allure — and iconic haircut — of Ms. Seberg. Sadie Stein, New York Times, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for artless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artless
Adjective
  • Projects that were already approved will continue unaffected by the moratorium.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • Penn Station trains remain unaffected Train service at Penn Station will be operating as normal, so Amtrak, LIRR and NJ Transit riders shouldn't be affected.
    Ali Bauman, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • After the zapfest on Earth, the anti-climactic tussle between the forces of good and evil occurs back on Eternia, where He-Man and his nemesis cross swords in a clumsy fight that’s not only predictable but also photographed and edited poorly.
    Jeffrey Ressner, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
  • The simple walking pattern adopted by fish, which the Cambridge researchers call an ‘undulating tripod gait’, can appear to be quite clumsy and involves too much flopping.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), critics question whether Washington’s diplomatic efforts to end decades of conflict in the mineral-rich east are driven by genuine security concerns.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
  • Pink is no comedian and many of the show’s bits fell flat, but the star’s fandom seemed genuine and her vocal prowess the envy of many a Tony nominee.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is a profound difference between rude political commentary and language that normalizes violence against other human beings.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
  • In other words, leaving early isn't inherently rude.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The most honest conclusion may also be the most sobering one.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • After Sinner left the court during his second-round loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Evert said tennis has to be honest about two things at once.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, researchers at the University of California San Diego developed a wearable AI system that accurately interprets arm gestures and controls robots, even during running, vehicle motion, or rough ocean conditions.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
  • The large leg retains stability even on rough, uneven ground.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The measure needs a simple majority to win.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • To this end, the team purposefully designed the AI’s training environment to be imperfect.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026
  • An imperfect career, yes, but also one of profound resilience.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Artless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artless. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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