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
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
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
Until now, the global art scene hadn’t quite made its way to the unpretentious seaside town, but Biarritz is conveniently flanked by major art hubs with Paris, Madrid, and Bilbao all within a short driving distance.
—
Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
The atmosphere is regal and luxurious, yet settling and unpretentious.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
And the restaurant’s unpretentious approach to French food is very much in line with Wise’s personality.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The silhouette is sleek and unpretentious but still holds a certain gravitas in your dining space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Monica Mendal, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2026
The atmosphere is regal and luxurious, yet settling and unpretentious.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
And the restaurant’s unpretentious approach to French food is very much in line with Wise’s personality.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
The silhouette is sleek and unpretentious but still holds a certain gravitas in your dining space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
-
But the slow realization that Snake Rob was a genuine threat who would ultimately run the game was especially satisfying and a reminder of how well The Traitors works as an all-star showcase and narrative machine, even in its fourth season.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
-
On an island with no shortage of luxury hotels, this one sets itself apart with its easygoing approach and genuine Italian hospitality.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
In terms of all-time hero's journeys, his is up there, from his humble beginnings on Tatooine to learning of his sinister dad to becoming a Jedi master to sacrificing himself to help the Resistance.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
-
But on a recent afternoon, in the basement reading room, Joshua Cochran, the library’s curator of American history, reached into one of a dozen archival boxes loaded on a cart and carefully unwrapped a humbler item — a paper cup imprinted with the image of Paul Revere’s lantern.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
While the median home price in the Baltimore area is around $360,000, the median asset wealth for a Black family in the city unaffected by incarceration is approximately $2,700.—
Izabela Engel,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Its operations in other states are unaffected.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Almost all of her daytime choices are neutral tones — soft grays or muted colors, pinstriped wool blazers and soft charcoals.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
Rooms were designed by Lowell and decorator Tiffany Vassilakis, featuring muted interiors, fireplaces and claw-foot tubs — closer in feel to a private country home than a traditional hotel.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 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
-
With the Moon now moving through your 7th House of Partnership, conversations become more direct, honest, and revealing in a useful way.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
The Moon in Scorpio forms a smooth trine to Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnership, opening the door to more honest and supportive connection.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
For a more subdued columbine, look to the ‘pink lantern’ varietal.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
-
So far, with real estate prices under pressure [in China], confidence in Chinese market remains subdued.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
