subdued

1 of 2

adjective

sub·​dued səb-ˈdüd 

-ˈdyüd

: lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength

subdued colors

subduedly

səb-ˈdü(-ə)d-lē 

-ˈdyü(-ə)d-

adverb

subdued

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of subdue

Synonyms of subdued

Adjective

• muted
• restrained
• quiet
• understated

Examples of subdued in a Sentence

Adjective

She spoke in a subdued voice.

The color in the lobby is subdued.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are plenty of layers and body, but the bangs are slightly more subdued than a traditional shag. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

Officials have argued that betting losses have fueled public dissatisfaction with the economy, despite record-low unemployment and relatively subdued inflation in the country. — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

The celebration on Sunday was less subdued with players dousing each other in beer and sparkling wine and cigar smoke in the air in the visitors' clubhouse. — CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

John Mulaney and Olivia Munn Olivia Munn and John Mulaney opted for subdued elegance with their complementary attire. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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