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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of unpretentious
His wife, a former fashion editor and stylist, is known for her meticulous but unpretentious sensibility.
—
Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
To watch any one of Wiseman’s films is to fall under the spell of a master who used the medium to make the viewer a more empathetic and enlightened person, supplying the pleasure of watching human nature through the perceptive eye of a humorous, unpretentious man with insatiable curiosity.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026
The atmosphere is also lovely and unpretentious.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Christine Lennon, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026
To watch any one of Wiseman’s films is to fall under the spell of a master who used the medium to make the viewer a more empathetic and enlightened person, supplying the pleasure of watching human nature through the perceptive eye of a humorous, unpretentious man with insatiable curiosity.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026
The atmosphere is also lovely and unpretentious.
—Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026
At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious.
—Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
-
Verbal commitments should lead to genuine action, even if we’re intimidated by what must be done.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The service Utterly Balinese and therefore utterly lovely—all smiles and genuine ‘how-has-your-day-beens’.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Aside from some quiet complaints about the NCAA’s COVID-19 protocols for people sitting around the court, no one offered anything other than positive reviews.—
Mac Engel
March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Despite her difficult start, Kaiko has since been recovering in her new home, with the viral video capturing a quiet but significant milestone—her first night sleeping indoors.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While many people have been introduced to English choral services through the angelic voices of the choristers in flowing robes and Elizabethan ruffs who sing at royal weddings and carol services, choirs perform every day in much more humble settings.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Colagreco’s hero restaurant espouses a sustainable gastronomy—in this case, elevating the humble British vegetable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s no doubt that with EVs, drivers are unaffected by the volatile swing of global oil markets.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Garbage pickup will be unaffected on Easter Sunday, as there is regularly no pickup collection on Sundays.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The cautious move in oil prices and relatively muted decline in Treasury yields suggest investors remain somewhat skeptical about an immediate end to the war.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Calm interiors in muted shades of sand and tan do not overpower the landscape, which is the star of the show.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That included a meek loss in Toronto, with Murray not participating on the second night of a back-to-back following a blowout loss at Detroit.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The other, meek and mild-mannered.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Iran practices honest bludgeon work.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Use honest words, and let confidence take root.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Christians in Jerusalem, Gaza and Iran held subdued celebrations due to restrictions during war in the region.—
Colleen Barry,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Tablecloth One of the easiest ways to set the scene is with a tablecloth, and Farm Rio's offering feels both vibrant and subdued.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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