subdued

adjective

sub·​dued səb-ˈdüd How to pronounce subdued (audio)
-ˈdyüd
Synonyms of subduednext
: lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength
subdued colors
subduedly
səb-ˈdü(-ə)d-lē How to pronounce subdued (audio)
-ˈdyü(-ə)d-
adverb

Examples of subdued in a Sentence

She spoke in a subdued voice. The color in the lobby is subdued.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the unit has benefited from a shift to digital game purchases and growth in the PlayStation Plus subscription service in recent quarters, hardware shipment growth has remained more subdued. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, after its deepest dip last spring, brand loyalty for Tesla has started to inch back up, possibly boosted by aggressive incentives and Musk’s more subdued persona, says S&P’s Libby. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 But instead of going an obviously kooky route, O’Hara played Mickey as a subdued figure conflicted about revisiting her broken relationship with Mitch. Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 In the before photos, Turner smiled widely with ease, but afterward, her smile seemed more subdued. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subdued

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdued was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Subdued.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdued. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

subdued

adjective
: lacking in liveliness, intensity, or strength
subdued colors

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