unbookish

adjective

ˌən-ˈbu̇-kish How to pronounce unbookish (audio)
Definition of unbookishnext
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing a refreshingly unbookish talk on how dictionaries get made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 unbookish His parents, Evan Sr. and Elton, were members in good standing of the stolid upper middle class, active in community affairs, anti-intellectual and unbookish. — Marc Weingarten, WSJ, 7 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbookish
  1. colloquial
  2. vernacular
  3. informal
Adjective
  • Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
  • The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Definition of colloquial
Adjective
  • And yet Webster’s dictionary, and his earlier attempts at spelling reform, expressed a radical desire to forge an entirely new tongue based in the vernacular genius of the aspiring American people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Because the alcohol drives the storytellers toward vernacular expression, these pieces can seem more alive and authentic, more relatable, than big-budget, big-screen productions.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of vernacular
Adjective
  • But the series also goes behind the scenes to explore how an informal gathering grew into a big-budget, heavily regulated event.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The alliance grew out of an informal coalition that included organizations tied to Ananas Anam, Bananatex and Regenerate Fashion.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

unbolts
unbookish
unborn
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Cite this Entry

“Unbookish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbookish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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