subdued

adjective

sub·​dued səb-ˈdüd How to pronounce subdued (audio)
-ˈdyüd
Synonyms of subdued
: 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.
As the United States has escalated its attacks on Iran, there’s something pleasingly transgressive about bringing Iranian elements into such overtly Western music—so much so that the songs without Yaghmai’s playing seem a little subdued in comparison. Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 15 May 2026 Had Pep Guardiola’s side slipped up at a subdued Etihad, then Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could have won the title with victory over Burnley on Monday. Sam Lee, New York Times, 13 May 2026 In the 2010s, Streisand’s style often went the more subdued route, but stayed elegant as ever. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 May 2026 Other co-chairs of the evening Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams chose more subdued looks. Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subdued.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdued. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

subdued

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

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