as in discreet
not readily seen or noticed
the notice that an 18% tip would be automatically added was so unobtrusive we almost didn't see it at the bottom of the menu
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 unobtrusive
The police department provided ample but unobtrusive assistance throughout the event.
—
Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Just be aware that the free version is ad-supported, though the ads are usually unobtrusive: https://wps.com
Free doesn’t mean underpowered
Today’s free options can easily handle the needs of most users—writing, formatting, printing, and file compatibility.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Ruffles around the neck and sleeves nod to the ever-popular cottage-core trend, while the keyhole detail at the back is unobtrusive yet functional.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
Her team was among the first to demonstrate that ultrathin, stretchable electronics could adhere seamlessly to the skin, offering a comfortable and unobtrusive way to monitor the body’s electrical activity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unobtrusive
Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Just be aware that the free version is ad-supported, though the ads are usually unobtrusive: https://wps.com
Free doesn’t mean underpowered
Today’s free options can easily handle the needs of most users—writing, formatting, printing, and file compatibility.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Ruffles around the neck and sleeves nod to the ever-popular cottage-core trend, while the keyhole detail at the back is unobtrusive yet functional.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
Her team was among the first to demonstrate that ultrathin, stretchable electronics could adhere seamlessly to the skin, offering a comfortable and unobtrusive way to monitor the body’s electrical activity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unobtrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unobtrusive
Adjective
-
Up above, there’s a sweeping grand staircase ascending to the second floor revealing a semi-private dining area for over 40 guests and a private dining room for up to 20 with additional access via a discreet VIP entrance.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
But while Vevers is a two-time CFDA award winner — for Accessory Designer of the Year in 2017 and for the Innovation Award last year — his industry profile remains more discreet than newer, smaller designers.—
Emily Mercer,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Although this is a common diagnosis, its symptoms can be invisible and interfere with everyday activities like dining out and shopping.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
-
And in sport, where the thinnest of margins always matter, recognizing the invisible might be one of your most visible acts of leadership.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Bassini totes around point-and-shoot cameras, lately a Yashica T4 or Contax T2, that are compact enough to go unnoticed in his pocket but draw a nostalgic reaction from models and actors.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
-
This is systemic underutilization—a quiet drain on workforce ROI that can go unnoticed for months, even years.—
Heidi Farris,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unobtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unobtrusive. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share