1
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quiet
not excessively showy
lives in a rather unpretentious house for someone so wealthy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unpretentious
Until now, the global art scene hadn’t quite made its way to the unpretentious seaside town, but Biarritz is conveniently flanked by major art hubs with Paris, Madrid, and Bilbao all within a short driving distance.
—
Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
The atmosphere is regal and luxurious, yet settling and unpretentious.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
And the restaurant’s unpretentious approach to French food is very much in line with Wise’s personality.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The silhouette is sleek and unpretentious but still holds a certain gravitas in your dining space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
The atmosphere is regal and luxurious, yet settling and unpretentious.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
And the restaurant’s unpretentious approach to French food is very much in line with Wise’s personality.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The silhouette is sleek and unpretentious but still holds a certain gravitas in your dining space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
-
But the slow realization that Snake Rob was a genuine threat who would ultimately run the game was especially satisfying and a reminder of how well The Traitors works as an all-star showcase and narrative machine, even in its fourth season.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
On an island with no shortage of luxury hotels, this one sets itself apart with its easygoing approach and genuine Italian hospitality.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The chef Gregory Gourdet, the son of Haitian immigrants, approaches France from the view of the colonies, moving from Vietnam to Louisiana but ever circling back to the Caribbean and its wealth of plantains, salt cod, Scotch bonnets, pikliz and not-so-humble rice and beans.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
After years of seeing Spirit lure leisure travellers, the major airlines, led by Delta, responded with humble basic-economy fares of their own.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Home internet and Wi-Fi will be unaffected, authorities said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
China has continued to purchase Iranian oil during the conflict, analysts say, still importing well over a million barrels per day last month – drawing down stock from floating storage already in Asia and unaffected by the US naval blockade of Hormuz.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Almost all of her daytime choices are neutral tones — soft grays or muted colors, pinstriped wool blazers and soft charcoals.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Rooms were designed by Lowell and decorator Tiffany Vassilakis, featuring muted interiors, fireplaces and claw-foot tubs — closer in feel to a private country home than a traditional hotel.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
That included a meek loss in Toronto, with Murray not participating on the second night of a back-to-back following a blowout loss at Detroit.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The other, meek and mild-mannered.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
So there is no real secret behind the scenes—just to work, to be honest, to meet personally with the people, to look into their eyes.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
Stability grows through honest and thoughtful adjustments.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
The mood music at City, meanwhile, is noticeably more subdued, although Jeremy Doku’s last-gasp curling equaliser on Merseyside did keep their hopes alive.—
Ayo Akinwolere,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
In the 2010s, Streisand’s style often went the more subdued route, but stayed elegant as ever.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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