as in muted
not excessively showy
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
In past decades, the impact of the deficit was more muted, as relatively small amounts of additional funding were needed to keep the government functional.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
The Rooms The desert seemed to have followed me inside my 323-square-foot Premier King Patio room, dressed in a muted color palette and textures.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay’s private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
-
Ideally, your room is dark, quiet and cool — think between 65 and 75 degrees.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 June 2025
Adjective
-
The saccharine, fruity taste that dominates the banana matcha latte is a stark contrast to the subdued, earthy flavors of high-quality matcha.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2025
-
Overall, the wine is well-balanced, clean and made in a subdued manner that would not overwhelm food pairings such as sautéed scallops or shrimp.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Rodgers dismissed three of Rashada’s other counts Tuesday, almost four months after a hearing.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
The company expects ongoing cautious consumer behavior amid persistent inflation, leading to restrained discretionary spending, especially on high-ticket products.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Wirtz, especially, can look awkward in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and is used in a comparatively restrained way.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the exchange.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Kushner founded the Abraham Accords Peace Institute shortly after, which has since been absorbed by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
-
El Dorado County is often considered a conservative area, said Shingle Springs resident Ed Mattison, one of the protest’s organizers and an Air Force veteran.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share