variants
also low-keyed
as in subdued
not excessively showy
hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Prior to changing out of her shorts, Blunt was seen leaving her trailer in a pair of loose-fitting red pants that perfectly matched her Coach sweater, as well as a pair of low-key white sneakers.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2025
There’s also a wine bar and fire pits, perfect for low-key evenings by the water.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
On the more low-key end of outdoor pursuits, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a peach-full environment than with a fuzzy friend in hand (No, not a peach).
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
The show addresses surveillance, misinformation and shifting norms through its signature low-key wit and relational warmth.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2025
There’s also a wine bar and fire pits, perfect for low-key evenings by the water.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
On the more low-key end of outdoor pursuits, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in a peach-full environment than with a fuzzy friend in hand (No, not a peach).
—Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
The show addresses surveillance, misinformation and shifting norms through its signature low-key wit and relational warmth.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
Citrus and spice dominated the nose, though a first sip is a little sweeter, slightly more subdued, and generally more indicative of an Indiana high-rye recipe than Kentucky-style.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
The bank also published a subdued note from chief economist Jan Hatzius that forecast U.S. GDP growth would be only 1% in the second half of the year.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Curiosity is an underestimated and understated leadership trait.—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Tremayne has become a dark horse in the wideout competition because of his reliable hands and understated route running ability, and Young took advantage of both attributes on the deep toss.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But the whisky never strays too far from its wood-spiced core, with restrained elements of aspen, pine, birch, and cedar wood.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Those gaudy, ridiculous 19th-century renovations lasted about 20 years, after which Theodore Roosevelt tore them out in favor of the restrained work of McKim, Mead & White, which laid the visual foundation for the rooms’ appearance today.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Here, contemporary design prevails–muted tones, clean lines, and a focus on natural Scottish wellness.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The passive radiators are surrounded by customizable LED lighting, however, which lends the muted tones a bit of personality.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The gallery was known for its unpretentious atmosphere and for bringing attention to cutting-edge artists in the early stages of their careers, including Harold Ancart, Korakrit Arunanondchai, Huma Bhabha, Meriem Bennani, and Lili Reynaud-Dewar.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The charmingly unpretentious cottage, which measures around 1,100 square feet, felt at ease on the rambling landscape and true to the area’s history.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
But it was intended to be a simple, three-course meal, the documents showed.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
16 Aug. 2025
-
In North Carolina, Republicans are a few votes shy of a supermajority in one chamber but still control the redistricting process because the state’s congressional maps are not subject to veto and therefore can be passed by a simple majority in the legislature.—
Elena Shao,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The same quiet consensus building once hailed as an effective hallmark of her leadership is being challenged in new ways by interpersonal conflicts on City Council and critics who want bolder leadership.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The managers curate a mixture of funds with stocks and bonds inside the single large fund, shifting the balance to be more conservative as workers get closer to their target retirement year.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
14 Aug. 2025
-
First, the Heritage Foundation was never conservative.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share