unassuming

adjective

un·​as·​sum·​ing ˌən-ə-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce unassuming (audio)
Synonyms of unassuming
approving
: not assuming : not having or showing a desire to be noticed : modest
an unassuming librarian
an unassuming manner
They lived in an unassuming house/neighborhood.
unassumingness noun

Synonyms of unassuming

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Examples of unassuming in a Sentence

He's just an unassuming guy. They lived in an unassuming home.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This unassuming strip of blue next to a busy road is the city's lifeline to the Colorado River. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 In a display case on the lower level of the Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution in London, there’s an unassuming stack of gray metal discs and blotting paper. — IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2026 Well, some travelers have put one particular doughy delight at the center of their itineraries, much to the chagrin of unassuming locals. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 The two-time Tony Award winner retains his unassuming physical dimensions. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unassuming

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unassuming was in 1722

Rhymes for unassuming

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Browse Nearby Words

unassuaged
unassuming
unassured
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Cite this Entry

“Unassuming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unassuming. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unassuming

adjective
un·​as·​sum·​ing ˌən-ə-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce unassuming (audio)
: not pretentious : modest
an unassuming manner
an unassuming neighborhood
unassumingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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