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

The mash-fest seems to fit the streamer’s sweet spot of entertainment-heavy sporting events, though if anything, its presentation of the derby felt surprisingly subdued in comparison to past spectacles. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

Unlike the bright citrus and vivid neons that orange is usually associated with, a creamsicle color has a more subdued form that fits into any mani aesthetic. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 12 July 2026

Taking the stage before the subdued audience, Mexico’s Alonso Ruizpalacios acknowledged the collective disappointment by turning to Elizabeth Butcher’s poem One Art. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026

When asked to run similar projections while modeling for factors such as return variability, family income and investor behavior, Morningstar showcases a more subdued picture of financial health for account holders at the same intervals. — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 3 July 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