Definition of unpretentiousnext
1
2
3
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness the unpretentious disposition of an award-winning scientist who has nothing to prove to anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 unpretentious This unpretentious living room seamlessly blends one-of-a-kind finds with discount-store purchases. Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025 In the future, the co-owners hope to host educational workshops for those curious to learn about the bean-to-cup coffee process in an unpretentious setting. Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 24 Dec. 2025 Dubbed The Studio Sessions, the concert was warm and inviting, an atmosphere cultivated by Clarkson’s personal artifacts – lamps, photos, her favorite studio mic – and her frank, unpretentious humor and storytelling. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025 The cash-only establishment is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and serves as a refuge for a diverse clientele. Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
  • The new telescope represents a genuine leap toward accessible professional astronomy, stripping away the technical barriers.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The strength of the Premier League has never been more evident, with each side posing a genuine threat to take points off each other.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Whereas Bowen’s upbringing created a natural affinity with Proust, his work also struck a chord with contemporaries of more humble origin.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • For Newsom, a middle-aged man with a large, young family, a glow of professional attainment, and, most days, enough Oribe Crème in his hair to dress a good Crab Louie, the challenge has been to look both humble and concerned.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • While payment systems appear unaffected, the exposure of personal data still creates long-term risks for millions of customers.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • In one case, for a client who needed to travel from Florida to Texas, Sentient worked with the operator and found an airport unaffected by the storm.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While the would-be leaders of France and Germany issued sharp rebukes to Trump, the opposition in central and eastern Europe was more muted.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Henson’s makeup and hair complemented the theatricality of her attire, with her hair tossed in a high bun and the actress’ makeup featuring dramatic eyes and a muted lip.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The magic of the series comes in the complete buy-in of the contestants as well as Davies and Horne (Horne's character is a meek, annoying and sycophantic version of himself).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
  • But savings were meek, with the largest dip found in Stockton, off only 4% last year vs up 2% in 2024 and 36% over the previous four years.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Any chats about delicate topics may feel awkward, so begin with appreciation and keep questions open to invite honest replies.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The mother of three maintains open and honest communication within her own household of women in an attempt to change the narrative about physical and personal beauty standards.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the before photos, Turner smiled widely with ease, but afterward, her smile seemed more subdued.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Their courtship was tender, quiet, subdued—and hardly full of the passion and yearning that Bridgerton has become known for.
    Meg Walters, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unpretentious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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