UNPREPOSSESSING Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

unprepossessing

adjective

Definition of unprepossessing

as in unimposing

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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 unprepossessing Joe was an unprepossessing fellow. — Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 The artist himself, however, was rather more unprepossessing. — Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2023 The bishop has an amiable, unprepossessing manner, with a slight stoop and a twinkly smile. — Nathaniel Rich Stacy Kranitz, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2022 This crisis is apparent in casting the unprepossessing Krieps, who already creeped out Paul Thomas Anderson’s repellent Phantom Thread. — Armond White, National Review, 13 Oct. 2021 Nothing can be more unprepossessing than a sea-anemone when contracted. — Jessy Randall, Scientific American, 19 July 2021 Starring in these books was an unprepossessing intelligence officer named George Smiley. — Tom Nolan, WSJ, 24 Dec. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unprepossessing

Adjective

The Reds, meanwhile, made the postseason with one of the more unimposing offenses in the National League.

— Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
As shown, the new stadium is simple, unimposing and not unattractive.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

Definition of unimposing

Adjective

The man who had been my husband, lover, sports companion and partner became increasingly a different and unappealing obligation.

— Nita Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
The best thing about Dearborn Park, particularly the original portion, is the mature landscape that creates a not unappealing leafy enclave.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of unappealing

Adjective

From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Adapted by Duffield and Daniel Kraus from Kraus’ 2023 novel, this spectacularly unpleasant underwater adventure delivers on its premise with effects that are graphic, fascinating, and occasionally beautiful.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpleasant

Adjective

This results in a watery, unappetizing texture, according to Southern Living.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
The sugars react during high-heat cooking, causing potatoes to brown excessively and develop an unappetizing dark color or blotchy brown patches.

— Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of unappetizing

Browse Nearby Words

unpreparedness

unprepossessing

unpretending

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“Unprepossessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unprepossessing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unprepossessing

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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