1
as in unaffected
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
Seen as affable and unpretentious, Omella lives humbly in the same way Pope Francis did, promoting social justice and advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive church.
—
Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025
National Today Regardless of its true origin, the Sloppy Joe gained widespread popularity in the United States, becoming a symbol of comfort food known for its flavorful and unpretentious nature.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Even before Criterion started filming these visits, Becker suspected these unpretentious salutes to cinephilia (and physical media) would make an impression.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
With his exaggeratedly small glasses and receding, light-brown hair, Clement, who is fifty-eight, has the mild, unpretentious air of your favorite high-school English teacher.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025
National Today Regardless of its true origin, the Sloppy Joe gained widespread popularity in the United States, becoming a symbol of comfort food known for its flavorful and unpretentious nature.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Even before Criterion started filming these visits, Becker suspected these unpretentious salutes to cinephilia (and physical media) would make an impression.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
With his exaggeratedly small glasses and receding, light-brown hair, Clement, who is fifty-eight, has the mild, unpretentious air of your favorite high-school English teacher.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized that the city's drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
The administration’s alternate pathways to imposing its tariffs and avoid legal scrutiny could include using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which was unaffected by the court’s ruling.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
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Each speed setting was quiet enough for sleeping or watching TV.—
Jessica Comstock,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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The humble statement was met with loud protests from all of his onstage colleagues, as well as Armisen.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
4 June 2025
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The humble bathroom scale has long been overdue to learn some new tricks.—
Christopher Null,
Wired News,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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That genuine moment became a symbol of love, sacrifice and something deeper — breaking generational cycles.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Listen actively to the client's concerns, demonstrating genuine empathy for their position.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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In past decades, the impact of the deficit was more muted, as relatively small amounts of additional funding were needed to keep the government functional.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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Clad in heavy end-grain cedar blocks, sandblasted to a muted and almost rocklike finish, the house disappears into its landscape of trees.—
Caroline Roux,
Architectural Digest,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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That confidence paid off as Farrow received her first Tony nomination for her role as the initially meek homebody Sharon in the play by Jen Silverman, which ran at the Booth Theatre on Broadway from September through December 2024.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
31 May 2025
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According to the latest report from L.A.’s film office, production days on location decreased more than 22 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with an already meek period in 2024.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 June 2025
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The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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While other noteworthy anniversaries of momentous events that have shaped the nation have often inspired documentaries and prime-time specials hosted by top news personalities, many TV news outlets are treating the Floyd anniversary with a more subdued tone.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
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The book initially caught my attention because of the stark contrast between its strikingly lurid title and its subdued, melancholic cover art.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
20 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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