understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 

: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment

understated elegance

understatedly adverb

Synonyms of understated

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

Examples of understated in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Carolyn wants to do away with the fluff and have an intimate, understated wedding. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

Prefer something more understated? —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

Together, the two shows capture the full spectrum of what 90s style actually looked like — from the understated Calvin Klein world of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy to Fran Fine’s head-to-toe prints. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026

The series covers the couple’s early 1990s meetings, their 1996 wedding and its cultural impact, focusing on their influence on 1990s New York style and culture — a world of understated elegance, downtown cool and high-profile social circles. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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