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

However, daylight will feel very subdued with a noticeable dimming. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The second slide shows daughter Taylor, 15, and son Brayden, 10, smiling in front of a subdued sunset. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

The singer’s fourth album inhabits a balmy medium zone of relentlessly moderate tempos and subdued vocals, where even brief moments of intriguing tension and fuzz get flattened into homogeneity. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Even slamming the door of the Mercedes is a subdued event with its soft-close doors. — Sasha Lekach, Forbes.com, 27 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