UNVARNISHED Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

unvarnished

adjective

ˌən-ˈvär-nisht

Definition of unvarnished

as in simple

free from all additions or embellishment I'm telling the unvarnished truth

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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 unvarnished The acclaimed writer Rachel Cusk’s controversial new novel Life of M is an intimate, unvarnished character study of an A-list movie star who is depicted as hollow, immature and cynical, an intellectual poseur and an artist wannabe. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 To be sure, putting our unvarnished, authentic selves on display can feel intimidating, but audiences respond well to it, and this approach can allow for meaningful connection and influence. — Matt Abrahams, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Her unvarnished, heartsore turn as a woman unprepared to be the face of a movement, but shouldering that responsibility anyway, gives this otherwise stoic affair a nervy, sensitive spine. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 July 2026 This was 1872, and the pious (and patronizing) commentators of the time muttered that Damien’s unvarnished personality was due to his simple farm upbringing in rural Belgium. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unvarnished

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unvarnished

Adjective

During the recent session, Soto taught people how to make coils for teardrop designs along with other simple shapes.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
The simplest distinction is powered flight versus unpowered glide.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of simple

Adjective

In plain terms, Connecticut had to build the gas plants and therefore absorbed the emissions and the construction costs, and shipped most of the electricity to other states.

— Joe McGee, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
In plain English, data centers are enormous buildings full of computers running around the clock.

— Kam Shenai, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

In true Joycean fashion, Ironweed wants both symbolism and naturalism, the elevated language of heaven’s vaults alongside the unadorned details of bodily filth.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Heavy and unadorned, this simple slab of metal makes delicious pizza pies that are crispy and crusty in all the right places.

— Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of unadorned

Browse Nearby Words

unvaried

unvarnished

unvarying

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“Unvarnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unvarnished. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unvarnished

adjective

Example Sentences

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