unpretentious

adjective

ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
Definition of unpretentiousnext
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

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 While the pavilionlike design pays homage to International Style, the simple, unpretentious finishes recall the beach houses of yore. — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Its offerings—greasy-spoon staples like egg sandwiches piled with crispy bacon, cheese, and jalapeño—are elevated in quality and unpretentious in nature. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 This trio is unpretentious and yet so effortlessly chic—and all available in summer-weight materials below. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 27 June 2026 Your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
  1. genuine
  2. quiet
  3. humble
  4. unaffected
  5. muted
  6. meek
  7. honest
  8. subdued
Adjective
  • Al Jazeera gave the region a genuine public sphere and spared its funder.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • However, that kind of genuine care isn’t a skill that can be trained.
    — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • And waterfront towns like North Bay Village and Bay Harbor Islands that were once known as quiet working-class suburbs are getting facelifts with new ultra-luxury condo buildings.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Instead, the young man who lived with his partner and daughter was described by neighbors as quiet and reserved.
    — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Family described him as a kind and humble man who worked hard and never hesitated to help others.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The humble pen offers a very handy, easy-to-carry form factor for writing, so why not use it for other tasks, too?
    — Ben Coxworth July 14, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The idea is that airport security operations can remain unaffected by funding lapses and government shutdowns, while still maintaining strict federal oversight and regulations.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • These tides are predicted to be lower than those in June, and the Weather Service estimates that areas not impacted in June can expect to be unaffected over the next week as well.
    — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Many pre-fall collections, including Stella McCartney and Carven have embraced this approach, pairing a muted or neutral top with color on the bottom.
    — Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • The universe of the film, as all of Nolan’s worlds are, is one drawn from the muted colors of reluctant determination and it’s structured by a gravity of inexpressible guilt.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has never been a meek man, but his results of late — four or more losses in each of the last three seasons — spark worry about the health of his program after a dominant eight-year stretch prior.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • That is also where the design's costs sit, and an honest account keeps them in view.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Amodei’s assessment of the dangers may be right or wrong, but an ad that grapples with those risks is arguably more honest than previous campaigns that present Claude as a tool for tinkerers and problem solvers.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The mash-fest seems to fit the streamer’s sweet spot of entertainment-heavy sporting events, though if anything, its presentation of the derby felt surprisingly subdued in comparison to past spectacles.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Taking the stage before the subdued audience, Mexico’s Alonso Ruizpalacios acknowledged the collective disappointment by turning to Elizabeth Butcher’s poem One Art.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of subdued

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unpretentious
unpretentiously
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on unpretentious

Nglish: Translation of unpretentious for Spanish Speakers

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