unvarnished

adjective

ˌən-ˈvär-nisht How to pronounce unvarnished (audio)
Definition of unvarnishednext
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment I'm telling the unvarnished truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unvarnished This cross-generational connection occurred because the band has cultivated a tribe based on an unvarnished identity that has remained consistent for decades. — David Gebbia, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 This unvarnished, no-nonsense authenticity helps explain Aguirre’s relatability with players and his ability to convey his instructions. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026 This realization reframes one of the central challenges of organizational leadership — not just making decisions but ensuring that the inputs to those decisions are as unvarnished as possible. — Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 His willingness to deliver unvarnished opinions, often sprinkled with sarcasm or humor, has been refreshing for Gator Nation after four seasons of Billy Napier’s measured — at times droning — delivery. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unvarnished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unvarnished
  1. simple
  2. plain
  3. unadorned
  4. naked
Adjective
  • There are just a few simple ingredients brought together in minutes.
    — Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026
  • Even fixtures that feel more suited to a dining room or entryway can work beautifully when paired with simple vanity lighting.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of simple
Adjective
  • Bella Hadid’s Minimalist Leather Flip-Flops A sleek pair of plain black leather flip-flops can take you far.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Additionally, replace technical jargon with clear, plain language, translating complexity instead of hiding it.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of plain
Adjective
  • Emily Brontë’s telling of this narrative premise was, also, far ahead of its time, unadorned, stripped bare, always in immediate reach of the brutal facts of her characters’ relations and complications with each other.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The ultimate luxury swimwear brand for poolside minimalists, Araks keeps its high-quality bikinis and one-piece suits relatively unadorned, opting to spice up its designs with contrasting piping and clever darting over flashier add-ons like fringe or bling.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 24 June 2026
Definition of unadorned
Adjective
  • The North America Nebula is too faint to see with the naked eye.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Eadweard Muybridge, among the first to put pictures in motion, knew by instinct that many of those pictures should contain naked people.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of naked

Browse Nearby Words

unvaried
unvarnished
unvarying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unvarnished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unvarnished. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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