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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But since inheriting the space that was the longtime home to Parisi Bakery, a supplier to many of the city’s top eateries, the spot has discreetly established itself as a stylish yet unpretentious refuge for fashion world fixtures to congregate on and off duty. Laura Neilson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 With a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and a kitchen that’s truly at the top of its game, this is one of Florence’s best fine dining experiences. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 In another iconic food documentary on Netflix’s roster of originals, chef David Chang explores the vibrant — and sometimes prickly — intersections of culture, history, and cuisine in a refreshingly frank and unpretentious way. Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025 Seen as affable and unpretentious, Omella lives humbly in the same way Pope Francis did, promoting social justice and advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive church. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized that the city's drinking water remains unaffected by the spill.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Tariffs imposed under a different legal authority called Section 232 — including on imports of autos, steel and aluminum — are unaffected by the ruling.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay’s private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.
    Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • An eerie quiet hung over the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • This journey from her humble beginnings to icon makes sense for a contemporary audience in terms of the pop stars of today, those iconic people in popular culture.
    Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 16 June 2025
  • Both men – Yousafzai, an education activist born in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, and Ranjit, a farmer of humble origins in a remote area of India – break from the traditions of their cultures by advocating forcefully for their daughters.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Learning to be resilient from the inside out is essential for developing genuine capacity and successfully navigating challenging times.
    Melissa Cidado, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • DeBlois dials the cuteness quotient back somewhat while giving this massive animal a genuine presence.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • In past decades, the impact of the deficit was more muted, as relatively small amounts of additional funding were needed to keep the government functional.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Clad in heavy end-grain cedar blocks, sandblasted to a muted and almost rocklike finish, the house disappears into its landscape of trees.
    Caroline Roux, Architectural Digest, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • That confidence paid off as Farrow received her first Tony nomination for her role as the initially meek homebody Sharon in the play by Jen Silverman, which ran at the Booth Theatre on Broadway from September through December 2024.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2025
  • According to the latest report from L.A.’s film office, production days on location decreased more than 22 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with an already meek period in 2024.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to experiencing a surge of sensual energy with greater emphasis on life’s simple pleasures, Venus in Taurus has everything to do with feeling grounded and finding stability in both love and finances.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • The way to peace is simple: get Hamas out and get aid in.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The saccharine, fruity taste that dominates the banana matcha latte is a stark contrast to the subdued, earthy flavors of high-quality matcha.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
  • Overall, the wine is well-balanced, clean and made in a subdued manner that would not overwhelm food pairings such as sautéed scallops or shrimp.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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