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 Barrel Proof in Germantown is the rare combination of world-class and unpretentious, a neighborhood bar with over 300 bottles, roughly 80 percent of them whiskey, with a particular focus on Tennessee labels. Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Despite its numerous accolades, the vibe remains refreshingly unpretentious (there’s a no-name-dropping sign outside the venue). Mariette Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026 That raw, unpretentious approach to words was my baseline. Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 Shorthand for authentic and unpretentious. Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
  • The family of a 26-year-old man who was shot and killed in Fort Worth last week remembers his bright smile and genuine laugh.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • The film, based on Thomas Perry’s novel Strip, wears its influences — ranging from Elmore Leonard to Carl Hiaasen to Quentin Tarantino — heavily, without the genuine wit of many of its predecessors.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Oxygen transfer involves several interacting processes; many of them converge at the humble cork.
    Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Solar energy density in orbit can reach six times that on Earth’s surface, unaffected by night cycles, weather, or atmospheric interference.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
  • Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents neighborhoods unaffected by the opportunity fund, suggested the city adjust the allocation formula to eliminate bank balances as a criterion.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Facing declining retail sales and a muted 618 shopping festival, Beijing seeks to integrate AI across consumer electronics, home appliances, wearables, retail, tourism, health, and elder care.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Tyson Foods, Kellogg's, Campbell's, Coca-Cola, Nestle and Hershey are among other big-name companies that have pledged to or already phased out certain dyes, in some cases giving us the more muted versions of snacks like Doritos, Cheetos and Trix cereal.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • The series centers on Cha Myung-jo, a meek worker at a company producing imitation character stickers who, despite nominally heading his household, lives in the shadow of his far more capable wife.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026
  • All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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