understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 

: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment

understated elegance

understatedly adverb

Synonyms of understated

• muted
• quiet
• subdued
• restrained
• simple
• conservative
• low-key
• unpretentious

Examples of understated in a Sentence

the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling

Recent Examples on the Web

In the village, mountain enthusiasts in understated fashions walk the main street, which is lined with a few boutiques, fewer brands, and a handful of cafés. —Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026

Its clean lines and understated elegance perfectly matched the era’s shift toward polished, unfussy dressing that still flattered the feminine form. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026

Those interested in marking Valentine's Day in an understated way would do well to consider this mani. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026

Endlessly versatile and easy to accessorize, these silky pieces hit the sweet spot between throw-on-and-go ease and elegant, understated glamour. —Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated

Kids Definition

understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd 

: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion