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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 Much of their set was made up of winsome, unpretentious alt-country songs about old memories and strong feelings. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for unpretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpretentious
Adjective
  • There's also the chance that costs rise for items unaffected by tariffs.
    Emily Peck, Axios, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Waiting and seeing Some businesses are still in wait-and-see mode, pushing ahead with hiring plans because many of their customers appear unaffected by the charges.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the final whistle, there was deep quiet inside the Metropolitano.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Pentagon has not held a press briefing in weeks, and the Defense Department has been quiet about the ongoing strikes.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Hubbard likely didn’t mind, as the humble and grateful fifth-year senior was simply happy his unlikely career would continue.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • On Friday, South Korea’s former President was forced to eat the humble variety after his impeachment over an earlier martial law declaration was unanimously confirmed by the nation’s Constitutional Court.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Between the lines: Paxton is a genuine Trump ally and is eager to hit Cornyn for being a Washington establishment figure rather than true MAGA.
    Stef W. Kight, Axios, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This is a moment of genuine courage and growth, but it can be dismissed as snitching by viewers who can’t see past her overconfidence from several hours ago.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 94 rooms and suites have been reimagined with muted colors inspired by the soft hues of the property’s garden and the building’s historic architecture.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The Pacific Ocean subtly makes its way into the decor of the 167 guest rooms and suites, where rugs and table lamps in muted greens and turquoise evoke kelp forests, and fluffy robes feature green seashell prints.
    Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Old Lady have underperformed for much of the campaign, and their meek exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSV Eindhoven increased the scrutiny on Motta, who’s only been in the job since last June.
    Emmet Gates, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Docile, meek, grateful for him.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Kit kept things simple with a traditional dark blue suit, pairing the look with a white shirt and polkadot bowtie and his usual glasses.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This alloy gives our rings just the right heft and just the right subdued luster.
    Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The Princess of Wales styled an Alexander McQueen coat in a subdued shade of green with Ralph Lauren over-the-knee boots.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpretentious. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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