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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understated
Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Garten’s love of simple and understated design translates to other areas of her home, too.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
Amszke Vegan Leather Saddle Bag Structured and understated, this vegan leather saddle bag channels the equestrian roots of classic prep style.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Even royals apparently appreciate the brand’s combination of understated style and conspicuous thrift.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Garten’s love of simple and understated design translates to other areas of her home, too.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
But, and this can't be understated, putting up efficient numbers that lead to wins in the short term is the best way to ensure there is a long-term.
—Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
Amszke Vegan Leather Saddle Bag Structured and understated, this vegan leather saddle bag channels the equestrian roots of classic prep style.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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Analysts said the relatively muted stock reactions following less-than-stellar quarters in Tesla's core auto business suggest the investor base is focused on future initiatives like robotics and robotaxi expansion.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
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In 2019, when a missile and drone strike on Saudi oil facilities – widely blamed on Iran – knocked out half the kingdom’s oil output and sent crude prices skyrocketing, his administration responded with only muted condemnation.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Retinoids can cause dryness and flaking, but this can be minimized or even prevented altogether when gradually introduced to the skin, starting with lower concentrations.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
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Officials repeatedly minimized fire risks and touted the benefits of letting the fire burn, according to The Republic's findings.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In certain corners of the Internet, people have spent the past year picking apart the Swedish influencer turned fashion mogul’s $200 cardigans, her quiet-luxury aesthetic, her linen-and-curtain-bangs image, and—oh yes—those toilet-cleaning allegations.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 Sep. 2025
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The potential series will center on Violet Sorrengail, whose plans for a quiet life are upended when her mother, a military general, orders her to join the brutal Basgiath War College and become one of several hundred candidates vying to become dragon riders.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Accompanied by husband Prince William, the Princess of Wales evoked subdued elegance for the somber affair.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 Sep. 2025
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The subdued nature of this wine is very inviting, and the varietal character is spot on without announcing itself.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Clearly, leaving Palmer out or taking him off when Sanchez was dismissed is a huge call because of his hugely influential talent.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
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Estonian officials dismissed that, pointing to radar information and visual identification confirming the Russian jets entered the country's airspace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Will the new brokers and wielders of power be more prudent and restrained?—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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While the costumery was slightly more restrained than, say, a Met Gala, at the same time there was a back-to-school festival feel to the outfits.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Both Chicago coach Ben Johnson and Cowboys leader Brian Schottenheimer (who will face the Raiders in November) downplayed concerns.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
21 Sep. 2025
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The Fed chief similarly downplayed Miran’s recent mention of the third mandate for the central bank to target moderate long-term rates.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Kimmel last week sparked a firestorm via comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that garnered a rebuke from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and his ABC suspension.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
24 Sep. 2025
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Goodman credits much of Kirk’s shift from secular conservative pundit to unapologetically devout Christian with a megaphone to his wife Erika Kirk.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
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