Synonym Chooser

How is the word unsophisticated different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of unsophisticated are artless, ingenuous, naive, and natural. While all these words mean "free from pretension or calculation," unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness.

unsophisticated adolescents

Where would artless be a reasonable alternative to unsophisticated?

While in some cases nearly identical to unsophisticated, artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others.

artless charm

When would ingenuous be a good substitute for unsophisticated?

The meanings of ingenuous and unsophisticated largely overlap; however, ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions.

the ingenuous enthusiasm of children

When is naive a more appropriate choice than unsophisticated?

The words naive and unsophisticated can be used in similar contexts, but naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence.

politically naive

When might natural be a better fit than unsophisticated?

While the synonyms natural and unsophisticated are close in meaning, natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world.

her unaffected, natural manner

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 unsophisticated Gale was deemed old-fashioned and her focus on small-town Midwestern life was thought to be unsophisticated. Deborah Williams july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025 Luckily for Marian, much of Bertha’s attention is stolen by the unexpected arrival of her unsophisticated sister; Bertha’s too busy making snide comments and tricking her into wearing nicer gowns to even bother with Marian. Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 July 2025 Hokey, unsophisticated, and overlong, Superman III does not meet the bar set by the prior Reeve films, offering only strictly modest superpowered entertainment. Rory Doherty, Vulture, 11 July 2025 On October 7, 2023, by contrast, Israel was caught unaware by an enemy of small numbers, with unsophisticated weapons. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsophisticated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsophisticated
Adjective
  • Jane’s voice shifts from that of a naïve girl to that of a capable young woman as Laser traces her path out of the wilderness.
    AudioFile Magazine September 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
  • His hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As with all investigations leading to arrest, the subjects of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The new dating term 'Shrekking' sounds innocent.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The open North Rim camping at Fire Point and Swamp Ridge, is primitive and requires a backcountry permit.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Chinese navy already makes port calls in Myanmar, but these are brief stays in facilities too primitive to provide naval advantage.
    Dan Swift, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By the way, Valera wasn’t the only inexperienced Guardian to make a pivotal play.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Fleck said that type of at-the-line adjustment is atypical for such an inexperienced player; Lindsey was making only his fourth collegiate start.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Commenting on Taiwan’s possible nuclear options, Jusen Asuka, a professor at Tohoku University and chair of the session in the conference, cautioned that SMRs remain immature and costly, and investing heavily in them could slow renewable energy development.
    Yu-Tzu Chiu, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In some cases, these are labelled as muscular injuries but Monasterio warns players at these ages are still skeletally immature in these regions.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unsophisticated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsophisticated. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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