unpretentious

adjective

ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
Definition of unpretentiousnext
1
as in genuine
free from any intent to deceive or impress others a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quiet
not excessively showy lives in a rather unpretentious house for someone so wealthy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness the unpretentious disposition of an award-winning scientist who has nothing to prove to anyone

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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 unpretentious Few places exemplify the town’s unpretentious charm better than Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 Albany has also managed to cultivate a refreshingly unpretentious, small-town feel. — Barbara Noe Kennedy, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 This intimate bar strikes a balance between intentional cocktails and an unpretentious vibe. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 Its offerings—greasy-spoon staples like egg sandwiches piled with crispy bacon, cheese, and jalapeño—are elevated in quality and unpretentious in nature. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
  1. genuine
  2. quiet
  3. humble
  4. unaffected
  5. muted
  6. meek
  7. honest
  8. subdued
Adjective
  • With what seems like little embellishment to real locations (including a genuine culture of female-only caddies sporting bright colors), the movie captures a languid, top-down strangeness.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The aesthetic lineage Wingard invokes relied on the genuine nastiness of works like Faster, Pussycat!
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of genuine
Adjective
  • Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of quiet
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 same statement also said that construction and installation at facilities unaffected by the fire would continue as normal and that air quality was being continuously monitored.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the facility was unaffected with no other injuries reported, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
    — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of muted
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
  • April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Taurus April 20 – May 20 A plan with friends may work better with a little honest adjusting.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of honest
Adjective
  • On the other hand, this education leads some to overdress—that hyper-graphic maxi dress paired with a neon pink beret is going to clash with the more subdued, elegant looks that stylish Parisians tend to sport.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Storms can still find windows of opportunity to form and become a threat, even in an overall subdued season.
    — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued

Browse Nearby Words

unpretending
unpretentious
unpretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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