variants
also low-keyed
as in quiet
not excessively showy
hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of low-key
Their looks pieced together the current Aspen dress code: practical layers, plush textures and polished après-ski separates built around statement outerwear and low-key Western touches.
—
Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
Freedom Park gives weekend adventure seekers plenty of options to be active, even on low-key days.
Walk, jog or bike the trails, depending on your energy level and goals.
—Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Available in eight soft or neutral colors like ivory and two striped options, there’s something for almost every low-key color preference.
—Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2025
March Adolescence went from low-key British original on Netflix to globe-straddling giant in March 2025.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
Freedom Park gives weekend adventure seekers plenty of options to be active, even on low-key days.
Walk, jog or bike the trails, depending on your energy level and goals.
—Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Available in eight soft or neutral colors like ivory and two striped options, there’s something for almost every low-key color preference.
—Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2025
March Adolescence went from low-key British original on Netflix to globe-straddling giant in March 2025.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The family settled in a quiet residential street of older homes and multifamily buildings, some front porches festooned with pride flags still twinkling with holiday lights.—
Michael Biesecker,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Carpenter stuck to her typical glam, opting for muted mauve lip liner, matching blush, and highlighted inner corners.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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This versatile accent chair from Martha Stewart’s Bedford Collection is finally on sale and available in four soft, muted neutrals.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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More subdued is the second iteration, which features a white base with cream overlays.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
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For the best mood-boosting environment, Wadden suggests balancing the brighter color with more subdued neutrals.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There's an understated elegance.—
Melody Chiu,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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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
Adjective
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His multicourse omakase shows off the chef’s restrained minimalist Edomae style and love of aged fish.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In response, Watson has pushed for a more restrained budget process, tighter oversight of city finances and a systemwide evaluation of how City Hall delivers services — all aimed at restoring transparency and credibility.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Economy is a conservative talk show host, former head of Save California and candidate for California State Board of Equalization.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
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While in Jamaica, the Ramírez boys were sent to a very conservative private school to learn English and were punished for refusing to sing the British national anthem in morning assembly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The beaches are spectacular in spots such as Itacaré, where the surf culture feels real, raw, unpretentious.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
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Zash Boutique Hotel and Spa, Etna The easygoing, unpretentious spirit of this Etna hotel belies its gold-standard gastro form.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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