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 This intimate bar strikes a balance between intentional cocktails and an unpretentious vibe. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 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 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
  • Whether this episode develops into a genuine challenge for the presidency remains to be seen.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • America’s iconic third spaces—bars, restaurants, official and de facto fan zones—have been a circus of joy, noise and genuine human connection.
    — Leo MacLehose, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Venus enters Libra and your 12th House of Solitude, bringing healing, privacy, and quiet restoration.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Path two runs through Congress, where Senators Schiff and Curtis have a bill declaring the quiet part, the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act, and the AGA is lobbying for exactly that.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Whether topped with butter and jam, layered with peanut butter, crowned with avocado and eggs or transformed into a hearty breakfast sandwich, this humble bread has become a staple in kitchens across the country.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Adjusting to life surrounded by huge events Road closures, heavy congestion, competition for parking and big noises can stalk any humble Inglewood resident these days.
    — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The version included in the NDAA limits the restrictions solely to military procurement, leaving commercial imports and private-sector sales unaffected for now.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • If approved by voters, the measure, backed by the Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts, would outlaw recreational cannabis sales and home cultivation, though adult possession and medical cannabis programs would remain unaffected.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Starbucks isn’t immune to those concerns, which is reflected in the stock’s more muted performance in recent months.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 30 July 2026
  • Those who adore Kurosawa’s unsettling earlier films may be thrown off by his new movie’s relatively muted approach.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • This is just one of many, many kinky situations Hoffman encounters as Elliot, a meek, wide-eyed college graduate who enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with gallery owner Erika Tracey (Olivia Wilde).
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Home and ambition may need a more honest handoff.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Effective communication should be honest, consistent, and rooted in core values, acknowledging that many boycotts occur invisibly through personal networks, not just public channels.
    — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • The singer’s fourth album inhabits a balmy medium zone of relentlessly moderate tempos and subdued vocals, where even brief moments of intriguing tension and fuzz get flattened into homogeneity.
    — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
  • Even slamming the door of the Mercedes is a subdued event with its soft-close doors.
    — Sasha Lekach, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of subdued

Browse Nearby Words

unpretending
unpretentious
unpretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of unpretentious for Spanish Speakers

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