unprepossessing

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 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 As reported by Brandon in an epilogue to her book, Duchamp married an unprepossessing rich woman in 1927, in Paris, with Picabia as best man. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 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 How can this little sheet, of such an unprepossessing subject, have such authority? Jason Farago, New York Times, 27 June 2021 Starring in these books was an unprepossessing intelligence officer named George Smiley. Tom Nolan, WSJ, 24 Dec. 2020 An unprepossessing wood-frame rowhouse from the 1850s, it is now covered in aluminum siding; a third floor has been added since Whitman lived here with his parents and four of his brothers. Jane Margolies, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprepossessing
Adjective
  • Encased in the character’s unimposing frame, there’s a selfless bravery that prompts him to stand up for others — especially lovely Naim.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
  • As the starting box safety behind an unimposing duo of linebackers, a second 100-stop season in 2024 is a real possibility.
    Gary Davenport, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
Adjective
  • Applying a powder or mineral foundation before applying concealer will cause your makeup to look cakey and unappealing once the liquid concealer hits the powder foundation.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
  • Something like ‘Terrifier,’ for example, so successful, so well done, absolutely unappealing to me, like in every possible way.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Castillo’s short novel is a giddy character study of an unpleasant young male type.
    Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 2 June 2025
  • To neutralize unpleasant smells, add a few pots of aromatic herbs, like rosemary and lavender.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even if Cameron is fortunate enough to avert further unrest, the menu for the remainder of his term remains an unappetizing mix of austerity and vague appeals for moral renewal.
    Jonathan Hopkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2011
  • Despite their unappetizing taste and tough texture, Osage orange fruits may still offer surprising benefits.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unprepossessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprepossessing. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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