understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly
adverb
Synonyms of understated
Examples of understated in a Sentence
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
There's an understated elegance.
—
Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
But there’s no rising artist easier to get excited about in this niche but hot scene than Meryl, aka Cindy Elismar, a rapper and singer whose vocal dexterity and understated intensity stand out on just about every track.
—Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
Some of the Catholic and Jewish characters are caricatures, too, but this anonymous ideologue is a bit too understated for someone wanting to conscript another into deadly service and could benefit from the absurdist flair Cash deploys elsewhere.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
With additional notes of nutmeg oil, coriander, and musk the scent profile is rich and understated—it’ll make a whispering statement without smelling like everyone else in the room.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
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Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
But there’s no rising artist easier to get excited about in this niche but hot scene than Meryl, aka Cindy Elismar, a rapper and singer whose vocal dexterity and understated intensity stand out on just about every track.
—Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
Some of the Catholic and Jewish characters are caricatures, too, but this anonymous ideologue is a bit too understated for someone wanting to conscript another into deadly service and could benefit from the absurdist flair Cash deploys elsewhere.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
With additional notes of nutmeg oil, coriander, and musk the scent profile is rich and understated—it’ll make a whispering statement without smelling like everyone else in the room.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd
: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion
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