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 His wife, a former fashion editor and stylist, is known for her meticulous but unpretentious sensibility. Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026 To watch any one of Wiseman’s films is to fall under the spell of a master who used the medium to make the viewer a more empathetic and enlightened person, supplying the pleasure of watching human nature through the perceptive eye of a humorous, unpretentious man with insatiable curiosity. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026 The atmosphere is also lovely and unpretentious. Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026 At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious. Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
  • These are experiences that EXPLORE facilitates best, and each traveler contributes to the projects in their own, genuine way.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Audiences today discover culture across feeds, streets, and screens — and the next generation craves in-person experiences that foster genuine connection.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The terrain is demanding, but the setting—expansive views, shifting light, and quiet trails—creates a rhythm that carries through the rest of the day.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The Omni dock was relatively quiet when self-emptying and automatically dispensed cleaning solution, which was convenient.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Kayla is a humble and gracious student who leads with quiet strength and a genuine love for dance.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
  • After pulling off another iconic play Saturday, Reaves had a more humble message.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s soon determined that Grace will be part of a crew on a one-way journey to the unaffected star to figure out why, and then send the answer back to Earth.
    Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Nowadays, the Southwest Chief is run by Amtrak (which gets government funding but operates independently enough to be unaffected by recent government shutdowns).
    Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The staterooms are a testament to this, decked out in muted tones of gold, silver and blue.
    Helen Wright, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Jamner said to expect muted reactions in financial markets to the release, typically closely monitored on Wall Street.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet beneath what might seem a meek exterior lies a steely determination.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Some of the ire contributing to the unedifying scenes at full-time owed to just how meek Villa had been against the Premier League’s bottom team.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At least my mother was more honest.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • And to be honest, our offensive rebounding wasn’t poor.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Genimo Outdoor Area Rug For a rug that’s elegant but more subdued, look no further than this option from Genimo.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But, Wells has been more subdued.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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