down-to-earth

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tü-ˈərth How to pronounce down-to-earth (audio)
Definition of down-to-earthnext
1
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness we were all impressed by how down-to-earth the movie star turned out to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly a down-to-earth guidance counselor who is frank in telling students which colleges they're likely to get into

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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 down-to-earth King Harald will be remembered as the most down-to-earth and inclusive monarch in Europe. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Gingham fabrics, especially for bedspreads or upholstered furniture, make a room feel more down-to-earth. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026 Norton isn’t the only star who’s claimed that Swift and Kelce’s wedding was unexpectedly down-to-earth. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 But the concerns of Eternals are also loftier and more cosmic than Marvel’s typically down-to-earth storytelling. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for down-to-earth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-earth
  1. humble
  2. pragmatic
  3. meek
  4. realistic
  5. modest
  6. practical
Adjective
  • Apologies Gen Z loves accountability, and this was a big night for the humble apology.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Dolly understood the memory and emotion that can be imbued in even the most humble pieces of clothing.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The mood of the season was taking a very pragmatic and utilitarian item, and transforming it into something much more decorative and fashun.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But Still Coming Down isn’t a fatalistic album as a whole, just a pragmatic one.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pragmatic
Adjective
  • Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • While Patchett’s depiction of equine behavior is fairly realistic, the decisions of the main character in this central tale are less so.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Modular systems, portable data and realistic fallback plans keep one dependency from becoming the foundation of the whole business.
    — Atul Sabharwal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • That makes even modest efficiency gains financially significant across long voyages.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Palmeiras winger Allan, 22, quickly emerged as one such solution, though his modest goal and assist tally alarmed supporters when the wisdom of City’s market strategy was being questioned.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of modest
Adjective
  • Turning the measured effect into a practical quantum-control tool will require researchers to understand and manage the remaining optical imperfections.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The upcoming holidays will test AI's practical advantage in navigating uncertainty and building resilient retail businesses.
    — Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of practical

Browse Nearby Words

downtimes
down-to-earth
down-to-earthness
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Cite this Entry

“Down-to-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-earth. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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