unpretentious

adjective

un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
: free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation : modest
unpretentious homes
an unpretentious celebrity
unpretentiously adverb
unpretentiousness noun

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 Still, Kimmel seems to relish the juxtaposition of his unpretentious jocularity and the Oscars’ pomp and circumstance. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 For a Maui honeymoon meal that's both authentic and inventive, book a table at Merriman's Kapalua, where you'll be treated to the work of James Beard-nominee Peter Merriman in an unpretentious, oceanfront setting. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2024 Other comments praised the famous mom for her unpretentious ways. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 The people are all really friendly and unpretentious. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2024 Taqueria Habanero is my ideal restaurant: delicious food and an unpretentious menu with cozy seating and the nicest staff. Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 11 Jan. 2024 An unpretentious man with a soft, mellow voice, Barksdale also earned kudos for his keen business acumen. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2024 Her Majesty seems very French to the French in her unpretentious, very sophisticated style and ways. Anders Christian Madsen, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2024 In one sense, the natural wood trend is a return to basics: Free of stain or paint, raw, natural wood is clean and unpretentious. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unpretentious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpretentious was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near unpretentious

Cite this Entry

“Unpretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpretentious. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unpretentious

adjective
un·​pre·​ten·​tious ˌən-pri-ˈten-chəs How to pronounce unpretentious (audio)
: not pretentious : not showy : simple, modest
pleasant but unpretentious homes
unpretentiously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unpretentious

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