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

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

Stromer-Galley said there is no question Trump has been a torrent of unvarnished — and sometimes “gobsmacking” — commentary for years.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

It is rare to get to see legal advice; it usually remains private for the simple reason that lawyers are less likely to give frank, unvarnished analysis if they think it is going to end up in the newspapers.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• candid
• straightforward
• unadorned