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 Ray-Ban Meta glasses are sleek, unobtrusive wearables with front-facing cameras and a passthrough display in the right lens that can show maps, texts, social media posts, and more.
—
Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
These sorts of smart fibers aren't new – scientists have been working for some time to embed this technology into textiles for unobtrusive connectivity.
—New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
The most reliable way to increase humidity in your home is to invest in an unobtrusive, ultrasonic humidifier.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026
With 1000 nits of brightness, anti-glare treatment, and an IP56 weather-resistant build, it’s designed to live outdoors year-round while maintaining a refined, unobtrusive presence.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unobtrusive
Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
These sorts of smart fibers aren't new – scientists have been working for some time to embed this technology into textiles for unobtrusive connectivity.
—New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2026
The most reliable way to increase humidity in your home is to invest in an unobtrusive, ultrasonic humidifier.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026
With 1000 nits of brightness, anti-glare treatment, and an IP56 weather-resistant build, it’s designed to live outdoors year-round while maintaining a refined, unobtrusive presence.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unobtrusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unobtrusive
Adjective
-
The discreet zipper at the bottom makes each cover look crisp and clean, and the beautiful blue hydrangea artwork can easily be displayed throughout spring and summer.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
-
For more than three decades, Cilia Flores operated in the shadows of Venezuela’s revolution, a discreet but decisive force who helped build, consolidate and ultimately defend one of Latin America’s most enduring authoritarian systems.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After sweeping up broken glass, tiny, almost-invisible shards often remain behind.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Like all black holes, primordial black holes have mass and thus interact with gravity and are effectively invisible due to the fact that they are bounded by a light-trapping surface called an event horizon.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
An artist observes carefully, especially things that go unnoticed — and transforms these observations into meaningful expressions.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Gone somewhat unnoticed in Monday’s draft drama was the selection of Jackson, a three-year starter at Duke who can fill a need at backup point guard.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unobtrusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unobtrusive. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
