low-key

adjective

ˈlō-ˈkē How to pronounce low-key (audio)
variants also low-keyed
Definition of low-keynext
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

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 low-key Just over the state line, the neighboring cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, make up a low-key destination boasting the same white sugar-sand beaches and spectacular outdoor space as the Florida panhandle—with significantly fewer crowds. — Molly O'Brien, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026 Swedish entrepreneur Bengt Mortstedt and his family have spent two decades imbuing the Bequia Beach Hotel with low-key luxury. — Sarah Turner, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 After spending much of her low-key childhood in the French village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Charlotte completed a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the Sorbonne, per Vanity Fair. — Staff Author, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Earlier in the episode, AJ and Josh, both of whom hate NYE, agree to combine their low-key plans and spend the evening together eating Chinese food and watching TV. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
  1. quiet
  2. muted
  3. subdued
  4. understated
  5. restrained
  6. conservative
  7. unpretentious
Adjective
  • And waterfront towns like North Bay Village and Bay Harbor Islands that were once known as quiet working-class suburbs are getting facelifts with new ultra-luxury condo buildings.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Instead, the young man who lived with his partner and daughter was described by neighbors as quiet and reserved.
    — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Sitting on the rim of his consciousness was always cataclysm, the muted whisper of a ruined world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • But futures are pointing to a more muted start here in Europe.
    — Katie Foley, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • The mash-fest seems to fit the streamer’s sweet spot of entertainment-heavy sporting events, though if anything, its presentation of the derby felt surprisingly subdued in comparison to past spectacles.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026
  • Taking the stage before the subdued audience, Mexico’s Alonso Ruizpalacios acknowledged the collective disappointment by turning to Elizabeth Butcher’s poem One Art.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • The dark metallic hue of the upper offered an understated shine to complement Zendaya’s spring 2008 Alberta Ferretti dress.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
  • If recent seasons have been defined by understated dressing, the fall-winter 2026 trends mark a shift toward a more expressive approach to style.
    — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • Expectations for Langford should still be in the restrained, cautiously optimistic category.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • The famous curtains remain too, but in a more restrained way.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Shaw, a conservative activist who is president of the Chino Valley Unified School District board, pointed out in an X post that voters had previously rejected four attempts to reshape the superintendent’s office.
    — Lia Russell July 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
  • Prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over evidence in a weeklong hearing over the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.
    — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • Haaland opts for unpretentious social media output, too, through Snapchat and Instagram.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of unpretentious

Browse Nearby Words

low-grade
low-key
lowland
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Cite this Entry

“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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