unprepossessing

Definition of unprepossessingnext

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 unprepossessing Joe was an unprepossessing fellow. Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 The artist himself, however, was rather more unprepossessing. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2023 The bishop has an amiable, unprepossessing manner, with a slight stoop and a twinkly smile. Nathaniel Rich Stacy Kranitz, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2022 This crisis is apparent in casting the unprepossessing Krieps, who already creeped out Paul Thomas Anderson’s repellent Phantom Thread. Armond White, National Review, 13 Oct. 2021 Nothing can be more unprepossessing than a sea-anemone when contracted. Jessy Randall, Scientific American, 19 July 2021 Starring in these books was an unprepossessing intelligence officer named George Smiley. Tom Nolan, WSJ, 24 Dec. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprepossessing
Adjective
  • The Reds, meanwhile, made the postseason with one of the more unimposing offenses in the National League.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As shown, the new stadium is simple, unimposing and not unattractive.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The state fire marshal in recent years was pressing to have 111 Founders Plaza retroactively outfitted with sprinklers, but the declining office market after Covid made that financially unappealing, according to town officials.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
  • After a dusty day among the ruins, more heat may sound unappealing, but 30 minutes moving between a cold shower and hot steam has a surprisingly rejuvenating effect.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Toussaint, a Black British actor, also addressed unpleasant early backlash against his casting from internet trolls.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 June 2026
  • No, the most unpleasant part of descending into New York City's vast sewer system, according to former urban explorer Steve Duncan, was the cockroaches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • All those unappetizing items go in your brown yard waste cart, not the black trash cart or the blue recycle cart.
    Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
  • Hook explains that for natural rind cheese, the impacts of plastic are just as unappetizing.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprepossessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprepossessing. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster