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 The classic V-neck top features a raw hem for a relaxed, down-to-earth feel, while the loose straight-leg pant keeps you comfortable as the days start to cool. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Like her name, the character has an ethereal but down-to-earth quality that everyone can relate to. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 Sep. 2026 Unlike its ritzier northern neighbor Naples (where luxury shopping and homes are the norm), Marco Island has a decidedly more down-to-earth feel. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026 An asphalt paving contractor, Dean had a down-to-earth sensibility that grounded Parton’s glamour, and opposites could not have attracted more. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 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
  • Fresh off a massive four-year, $180-million contract extension that solidified Reaves as a legitimate star player, the humble Arkansas native has elevated his game with the same mindset taught to him from his parents and older brother.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In the early days, players were humble, and genuinely grateful just to have a place in the United States to play.
    — Patricia Babcock McGraw OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of humble
Adjective
  • Start with the community With a pragmatic and fair approach, data center infrastructure can operate from a combination of baseload fuels, battery storage, and renewables, while prioritizing community needs and impacts.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • These are typically gift boxes of coffee or tea, or elegant but pragmatic items, such as high-quality towels or soaps, sent within a few weeks of the funeral.
    — Mimi Hanaoka, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of pragmatic
Adjective
  • Others seemed meek, with downcast eyes that refused to meet the camera.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of meek
Adjective
  • America’s Micron is building fabs in the United States, but significantly replacing Korea’s output is not realistic.
    — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Building realistic best-case, base-case and downside scenarios helps companies adjust before a shift becomes a crisis.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • The Coopop Bobber is exactly that – an electric two-wheeler that borrows the visual swagger of a custom bobber and pairs it with the decidedly more modest performance of a European electric moped.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Even a modest slice of commerce flowing through AI agents would reshape how consumers shop, and travel is where that shift is already visible.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of modest
Adjective
  • So the theoretical maximum is 256 ESSMs rather than 64 missiles, although a practical loadout would probably mix missile types.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Join Fortune‘s Sam Birchall and a group of CFOs on Wednesday 28th October to discuss practical perspectives on strengthening capability, continuity, and long-term resilience in finance.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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