subdued

adjective

sub·​dued səb-ˈdüd 

-ˈdyüd

: lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength

subdued colors

subduedly

səb-ˈdü(-ə)d-lē 

-ˈdyü(-ə)d-

adverb

Synonyms of subdued

• muted
• restrained
• quiet
• understated

Examples of subdued in a Sentence

She spoke in a subdued voice.

The color in the lobby is subdued.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the mood in the room at Citi’s Tribeca headquarters was more subdued than expected. — Claire Zillman, Fortune, 27 May 2026

That was one of the more subdued negative responses, many of which focus around respecting the dead. — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Hotel Portsmouth’s rooms are bright and quirky, while the rooms at The Bow have a more serene and subdued ambience. — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued. — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subdued

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• elude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude

Kids Definition

subdued

adjective

: lacking in liveliness, intensity, or strength

subdued colors