1
as in unaffected
free from any intent to deceive or impress others
a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unpretentious
For Rosenthal, a haimish service style — that’s Yiddish for cozily unpretentious — is crucial to the venture.
—
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Her natural and melodious style, so swift and unpretentious, bears death and danger on its wings.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
The stylish but unpretentious haunt was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
The gallery was known for its unpretentious atmosphere and for bringing attention to cutting-edge artists in the early stages of their careers, including Harold Ancart, Korakrit Arunanondchai, Huma Bhabha, Meriem Bennani, and Lili Reynaud-Dewar.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025
Her natural and melodious style, so swift and unpretentious, bears death and danger on its wings.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
The stylish but unpretentious haunt was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
The gallery was known for its unpretentious atmosphere and for bringing attention to cutting-edge artists in the early stages of their careers, including Harold Ancart, Korakrit Arunanondchai, Huma Bhabha, Meriem Bennani, and Lili Reynaud-Dewar.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
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Yet even these entities will adapt, either by exploiting visa loopholes, relying more heavily on student-to-H-1B conversions, or shifting toward the L-1 visa category, which remains unaffected by the new fee.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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Lawmakers also expressed concerns that the federal government might not backfill dollars if the state steps into the void to ensure SNAP benefits remain unaffected during the shutdown.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Where to stay On a quiet side street in the Latin Quarter, near the Jardin des Plantes and a 30-minute stroll from the catacombs is the Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, which opened in March 2025.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
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Meloni told the Saturday Night Live star to remain quiet as he FaceTimed Hargitay, who was en route to Poehler’s podcast.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These once-humble activities are reclaiming their place not as quaint relics, but as powerful tools for well-being.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
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Ready to let the humble-yet-mighty brown work its magic in your wardrobe this fall?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Thune, due to the Senate filibuster, has been forced to take a more nuanced approach, using a combination of political pressure and genuine outreach.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Advertisement But political divisions remained because of genuine ideological differences.—
Time,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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It was all suitably muted and understated.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
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BeCalm is full of smart little touches that make life easier — think hidden pockets for your phone, buttery-soft fabrics that never cling, and muted tones that actually make getting dressed feel calming.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Tessa Thompson stars as the willful heroine, married to a rather meek academic, George Tesman (Tom Bateman), who’s angling for an important university position.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
22 Oct. 2025
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Employment growth is meek, but the labor market is holding steady.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Oct. 2025
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But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The sleeves of Longoria’s top were rolled up to her elbows, providing some movement and ease for her subdued look.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
22 Oct. 2025
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Meanwhile, the latest collection of Isko Luxury by PG fabrics were more subdued compared to previous seasons but no less complex and creative.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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