unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
Synonyms of unpretentious
: free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : modest
unpretentious homes
an unpretentious celebrity
unpretentiously adverb
unpretentiousness noun

Synonyms of unpretentious

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Examples of unpretentious in a Sentence

a casual and unpretentious restaurant a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it? — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026 In July 2016, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s love story began in an unpretentious first date at Soho House in London. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 The staff is eager to share their knowledge in a charming, unpretentious way. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The resort has a refreshingly unpretentious vibe, and now oddly-endearing late-80s aesthetic from when it was first designed and built. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpretentious was in 1838

Rhymes for unpretentious

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Browse Nearby Words

unpretending
unpretentious
unpretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpretentious. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unpretentious

adjective
un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten-chəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
: not pretentious : not showy : simple, modest
pleasant but unpretentious homes
unpretentiously adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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