down-to-earth

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tü-ˈərth How to pronounce down-to-earth (audio)
Definition of down-to-earthnext
1
as in humble
not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness we were all impressed by how down-to-earth the movie star turned out to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly a down-to-earth guidance counselor who is frank in telling students which colleges they're likely to get into

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 down-to-earth This down-to-earth table keeps its shelving directly on the floor, which is an unexpected way to add decorative accents or a row of storage baskets and bins to a foyer. — Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026 Despite hosting roughly 1,000 guests, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kept their wedding refreshingly down-to-earth, according to one country music star. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 Over on the raw, elemental east coast (one of Traveler's Best Places to Go in 2026)—or, as locals would say, behind God's back—there's been a rise in down-to-earth wellness retreats and farm-to-table eateries. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 But whereas other towns might lose a bit of character along the way, Big Bear is still holding onto its roots as a down-to-earth mountain community. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for down-to-earth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down-to-earth
  1. humble
  2. pragmatic
  3. meek
  4. realistic
  5. modest
  6. practical
Adjective
  • Apologies Gen Z loves accountability, and this was a big night for the humble apology.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Dolly understood the memory and emotion that can be imbued in even the most humble pieces of clothing.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • The mood of the season was taking a very pragmatic and utilitarian item, and transforming it into something much more decorative and fashun.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But Still Coming Down isn’t a fatalistic album as a whole, just a pragmatic one.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pragmatic
Adjective
  • Howard recruited Winkler to star in his 1982 comedy Night Shift, as a meek morgue worker whose life is radicalized by a new hire played by Michael Keaton.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Closer to home, Liverpool have shown the pitfalls of an expensive facelift, splurging record sums on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer only to free-fall from champions to a meek fifth-place finish.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • Keeping him and his elite scoring ability would give the Red Wings a much more realistic ability to compete in the near future.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states’ lawyers had signaled roughly $200 billion was a more realistic target at trial.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • One of the newest members of the billionaire club, Scale AI cofounder Lucy Guo, is a more recent example of someone whose spending habits have remained relatively modest as her fortune has soared.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The United States, for its part, has made modest efforts to repair the relationship.
    — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of modest
Adjective
  • Turning the measured effect into a practical quantum-control tool will require researchers to understand and manage the remaining optical imperfections.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The upcoming holidays will test AI's practical advantage in navigating uncertainty and building resilient retail businesses.
    — Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of practical

Browse Nearby Words

downtimes
down-to-earth
down-to-earthness
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Cite this Entry

“Down-to-earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down-to-earth. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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