unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs 

: free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : modest

unpretentious homes

an unpretentious celebrity

unpretentiously adverb

unpretentiousness noun

Synonyms

• artless
• genuine
• guileless
• honest
• ingenuous
• innocent
• naive
• naïve
• natural
• real
• simple
• sincere
• true
• unaffected
• unpretending

Examples of unpretentious in a Sentence

a casual and unpretentious restaurant

a simple and unpretentious account about growing up in the rural South

Recent Examples on the Web

For an eclectic range of live music, from blues and jazz to Santana cover bands, Centro Cultural Breton is a small, unpretentious venue (cover typically 50 to 200 pesos) that has a following among local musicians and music lovers. —Freda Moon, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

These eateries emphasize quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, offering a warm, unpretentious dining experience. —Carissa & Dino Tozzi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025

Gracious yet unpretentious, the kitchen serves up plenty of sushi and rolls, but also renders some surprisingly fun takes on dishes common to other menus. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

The restaurant is defiantly unpretentious, with a cozy, friendly atmosphere. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unpretentious

• conscientious
• contentious
• pretentious
• sententious
• tendentious

Kids Definition

unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten-chəs 

: not pretentious : not showy : simple, modest

pleasant but unpretentious homes

unpretentiously adverb