Definition of unpretentiousnext
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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
  • The preschool is unaffected, the museum said, and will remain in the Mohegan Drive space.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This cooks the food only, leaving the container unaffected.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • After years of muted activity at the midseason, executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas kickstarted a flurry of activity Tuesday — first cementing a three-team trade to acquire Jaden Ivey from Detroit, then offloading Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Recreate the look in a similar muted color scheme, like allover cloudy white, or play around with vivid color combinations like Miami teal and head-to-toe pinks.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Soft power isn’t about being meek.
    Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But these songs are also honest, sometimes despite themselves, about the feelings of impotence associated with watching history play out on a screen.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
  • At least Mamdani was honest and campaigned as a socialist.
    Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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