as in muted
not excessively showy
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in minimized
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understated
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025
But much of the show’s appeal can be tracked back to a single performer: At the center of all the flattening contrivance, David Hyde Pierce is shuffling about with his mildly hapless, lovable deadpan, giving the production’s only understated performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
This babydoll cami has all the free and understated charm of a summer dress, only in tanktop style.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025
But much of the show’s appeal can be tracked back to a single performer: At the center of all the flattening contrivance, David Hyde Pierce is shuffling about with his mildly hapless, lovable deadpan, giving the production’s only understated performance.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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There was something hauntingly beautiful about them—soft, muted, delicate.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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The layered but muted colors express the fog of dizziness that can transform a modest family living room into a dreamlike space.—
Elly Fishman,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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So any advantage a driver or team has today will likely be minimized and copied in short order.—
Jeff Gluck,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
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Given these circumstances, the stakes that come with winning games down the stretch have, in some ways, been minimized.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The drama division had been relatively quiet for a period but suddenly found its stride in the past year with a string of buzzy commissions that will now mostly air under new leadership.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 June 2025
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The home of about 400 year-round residents, who include fishermen and lobstermen, it’s long been a haven for those seeking peace, quiet and an escape from the heat, a world away from Portland.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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While other noteworthy anniversaries of momentous events that have shaped the nation have often inspired documentaries and prime-time specials hosted by top news personalities, many TV news outlets are treating the Floyd anniversary with a more subdued tone.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
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Steel prices in the U.S. have witnessed a declining trend due to subdued demand in the domestic market with weak manufacturing activities.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Rodgers dismissed three of Rashada’s other counts Tuesday, almost four months after a hearing.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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However, five months later, Johansson’s request for the restraining order was forced to be dismissed after the papers were unable to be served to her alleged stalker.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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An all-out self-deprecating ad could be warranted if the goal is to simply raise brand awareness, while a more restrained approach might be needed to avoid distraction if an ad includes technical details about a new product.—
Anton Naianzin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Plus, How to Use It In Your Home For pattern, using a rug with an oversized, neutral pattern keeps within a restrained palette but still creates visual interest.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Verb
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However, Mariners executive vice president/general manager Justin Hollander appeared optimistic about Robles' recovery and downplayed surgery concerns.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the exchange.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Across the board, the demands have been cheered by conservative figures and organizations who see elite US institutions of higher learning as home to radical ideas and anti-Jewish bias and thus easy and deserving targets.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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Its rustling stirs the tension in a radicalizing conservative society, while its wailing heralds the irreversible consequences of raging human emotion.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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