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 the same time, Gieves & Hawkes is leaning into its British and royal connections in an understated manner. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Justin went with a more understated look, wearing a black suit, sunglasses and dramatically oversized pants. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026

Let the bag take center stage by pairing it with understated separates, or lean into the whimsy with equally feminine details. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

The resulting low-slung structure is clad in understated materials, with a sloping bronze-colored roof, stone chimney, expansive glazing, and teak siding. — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 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