understated

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 

: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment

understated elegance

understatedly adverb

understated

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of understate

Synonyms of understated

Adjective

• muted
• quiet
• subdued
• restrained
• simple
• conservative
• low-key
• unpretentious

Examples of understated in a Sentence

Adjective

the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Our data is showing strong continued interest in trending looks like bold Y2K silhouettes and quiet luxury (think clean tailoring and understated color palettes), as well as the emergence of darker beauty looks. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Its understated design pairs with any bottoms in your closet. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026

But lady-like neutrals offer understated elegance that elongates the fingers and instantly softens the look of the hands. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

Based on the script by Hearon and co-writer Ruby Caster, the film is a welcome return for a director whose warm, understated work has often been overlooked. — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated

Kids Definition

understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd 

: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion