unvarnished

[ uhn-vahr-nisht ]

adjective

1. plain; clear; straightforward; without vagueness or subterfuge; frank:

   the unvarnished truth.

   Synonyms: direct, candid, naked, bare

2. unfinished, as floors or furniture; not coated with or as if with varnish.

unvarnished

/ ʌnˈvɑːnɪʃt /

adjective

1. not elaborated upon or glossed; plain and direct

   the unvarnished truth

Word History and Origins

Origin of unvarnished¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ¹ + varnish + -ed ³, -ed ²

Example Sentences

Notes from the meetings reveal a rare unvarnished view of the business.

From New York Times

And unlike most puffy celebrity books, Palmer actually names names — sharing her unvarnished opinions on such industry figures as Ryan Murphy, Trey Songz and Tyler Perry.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was Verse’s unvarnished exchanges with Vikings players that stood out.

From Los Angeles Times

But demonstrating that overtly, especially to folks who don’t know you well, sometimes requires sticking your own unvarnished truth in their faces.

From Salon

His personality traits that alienate average Americans — his contempt, his pomposity, his unvarnished misogyny — are attractive in the upside-down world of MAGA.

From Salon

Related Words

• candid
• straightforward
• unadorned