understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly
adverb
Synonyms of understated
Examples of understated in a Sentence
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
That was the only understated thing this certified maniac said or did all night long.
—
Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Cider’s version of the wardrobe essential is perfectly fitted with an understated mermaid flare.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025
Until now, the Princess of Wales has favored more understated pieces, making her debut in the Oriental Circlet an especially exciting first for its scale and striking sparkle.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
Stern’s design, woven through and behind the original 1908 building and the 1939 addition that gave the museum its full-block width, is transformative yet inconspicuous, embodying his values of understated patriotism, historical preservation, tastefulness, and memory.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 Dec. 2025
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Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Cider’s version of the wardrobe essential is perfectly fitted with an understated mermaid flare.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025
Until now, the Princess of Wales has favored more understated pieces, making her debut in the Oriental Circlet an especially exciting first for its scale and striking sparkle.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
Stern’s design, woven through and behind the original 1908 building and the 1939 addition that gave the museum its full-block width, is transformative yet inconspicuous, embodying his values of understated patriotism, historical preservation, tastefulness, and memory.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd
: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion
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