unbookish

adjective

ˌən-ˈbu̇-kish How to pronounce unbookish (audio)
Definition of unbookishnext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing a refreshingly unbookish talk on how dictionaries get made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unbookish His parents, Evan Sr. and Elton, were members in good standing of the stolid upper middle class, active in community affairs, anti-intellectual and unbookish. — Marc Weingarten, WSJ, 7 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbookish
  1. colloquial
  2. vernacular
  3. informal
Adjective
  • Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Definition of colloquial
Adjective
  • Screenplay credits are shared by Damodaran, Joses Imona, and Jennifer Litau, with Litau also handling Tok Pisin and vernacular-language translation duties.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Compiled in 1964 by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, this four-LP, 83-track box set was intended as an accessible survey of the roots and branches of American vernacular music.
    — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • But in recent years, the informal community has become more active — and, at times, more divisive.
    — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
  • What if every leader was expected to create transparent pathways for growth instead of relying on informal networks and chance opportunities?
    — Shelley Zalis, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

unbolts
unbookish
unborn
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Cite this Entry

“Unbookish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbookish. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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