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 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 All that’s there is an artless effort to provoke outrage — Tony Hinchcliffe with the world’s strongest Boston accent. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024 The effort of analyzing this video, a piece of artless misinformation, was beneath Abu Hamdan, who has dedicated himself to unveiling the violence of the world through the medium of sound. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for artless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artless
Adjective
  • That means that 96% of the property in the five boroughs — 96% of all potential housing stock — is completely unaffected by the regulatory restrictions associated with historic preservation.
    Michael S. Hiller, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The demolition plans were filed with the city the same day, but for unaffected parts of the complex, including a pool and a separate apartment building at Markham and Haynes streets.
    Rosana Hughes, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But in that moment, my 40 years of skiing experience evaporated, and the bulletproof snow and thick crowds transformed me into an anxious and clumsy mess.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Following the adventures of the titular sheep, the franchise’s latest takes place at Mossy Bottom Farm on Halloween Eve, watching as excitement turns to dismay when the clumsy Farmer ruins the pumpkin patch.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The tears in Yang’s eyes appeared genuine.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Currently, the Police Oversight office allows complainants to resolve more minor complaints, like when an officer is rude, by asking that the officer's supervisor to talk to them about their conduct.
    Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Asking a neighbor to shovel their side of the sidewalk is not inherently rude.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharing the video felt like a way to acknowledge that reality in an honest way.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Most Americans are good, honest, hardworking Americans who want to make their country a better place.
    Tony Dokoupil, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.
    Brittney Morgan, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The simple addition of zipper detailing adds a preppy energy to the top.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Heat’s rough night began with a disastrous start, trailing 36-12 just 10 minutes into the contest.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Marty’s face prominently features a scar on his cheekbone and additional scarring under his chin, suggesting a rough life.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Demonstrators argued that taxpayer money should not be used to harm or kill innocent people and rejected claims that the killing of Good was an act of self-defense.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Artless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artless. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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