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

At Community Table, executive chef Marcell Davidsen brings an understated Nordic sensibility to the area’s locavore tendencies. — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Despite this informal, jam-forward approach, however, Silk Fence appear to be chasing something; an understated but steady coherence gives direction to even their most wandering moments. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

Wise's understated approach sometimes has the feel of a stage play. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The hotel is a sleeper hit with the old-school crowd who come for the team’s warmth and understated cleverness. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 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