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
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Recent Examples of unpretentious
Ginger’s drinks are impeccably crafted, unpretentious, and uniquely Dallas.
—
Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
For Rosenthal, a haimish service style — that’s Yiddish for cozily unpretentious — is crucial to the venture.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Her natural and melodious style, so swift and unpretentious, bears death and danger on its wings.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
The stylish but unpretentious haunt was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
For Rosenthal, a haimish service style — that’s Yiddish for cozily unpretentious — is crucial to the venture.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Her natural and melodious style, so swift and unpretentious, bears death and danger on its wings.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
The stylish but unpretentious haunt was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
-
Nothing wrong with a little fantasy, but this year’s astrology asks us to stop romanticizing potential and start paying attention to what feels genuine, reciprocal and enduring.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The tears in Yang’s eyes appeared genuine.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The family settled in a quiet residential street of older homes and multifamily buildings, some front porches festooned with pride flags still twinkling with holiday lights.—
Michael Biesecker,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Singer Island has a humble personality, with more reverence for its natural beauty and less regard for glamorous perfection than its southern neighbor.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
This humble ingredient is a powerhouse in all kinds of cooking.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Its orange light is the result of an atmospheric effect called Rayleigh Scattering, wherein particles deflect the bluer wavelengths of light reflected from the lunar surface, while allowing redder wavelengths to pass through relatively unaffected.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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First, Erickson highlighted that AWS has the most diversified and hedged revenue sources, with its core business largely unaffected by generative AI and not a competitor of ChatGPT maker OpenAI.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That snare sound is as instantly identifiable as Miles Davis’s muted horn or Eddie Van Halen’s pyrotechnic neck tapping.—
John Lingan,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
-
With an understated mix of blue and yellow tones that provide warmth but still feel muted.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Just a meek statement requesting support for peaceful protest from the same regime that will imprison its citizens even for the thought of it.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Born in a stable among animals, Jesus entered the world humble and meek, not with the grandeur of a king.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet, to be honest, our dance card is already mighty full with a whole array of different kinds of gigs – from big pop shows to classic rock concerts and a number of different small club shows.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Shared finances, emotional investments or trust issues become crystal clear, prompting honest conversations and practical decision-making.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
More subdued is the second iteration, which features a white base with cream overlays.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
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For the best mood-boosting environment, Wadden suggests balancing the brighter color with more subdued neutrals.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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