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 Everyone got fancy, which normally means some insane wardrobe choices from our D-list celebrity cast, but since these are low-key normie influencers, everyone just looks nice. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026 Related Articles Through weekly video drops leading up to the holidays, audiences discover traditions that range from low-key to all-out, including anything-goes dress codes and serious food tastes. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026 After all, the gala initially was once a much more low-key affair. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026 By West’s standards at least, the night was relatively low-key. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 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
  • Fresh off a max contract extension, Reaves has had a quiet yet ruthlessly efficient start to the year in Doncic’s shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And at a time of national reflection, Kate’s wardrobe offered its own quiet tribute to those who came before her.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • The Goop Kitchen founder wanted the focal point of the design to be a late-18th-century Flemish tapestry, whose landscape imagery features a palette of muted greens and taupes.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The muted recovery stands out for a company that posted its 13th straight quarter of double-digit revenue growth in the same report, with Google Cloud revenue more than doubling.
    — Julia Spina, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • And if anyone was expecting a subdued acceptance speech, Waddingham had another thing in mind.
    — Paul Chi, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The phenomenon is just the latest turn in gorpcore’s continued reign in footwear, offering durability and grip for inclement city weather and often with more subdued aesthetics.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • For another dose of understated elegance, consider the Georgiana Ladderstitch Boudoir Pillowcase in sage, now 52% off at $30 from $62.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The understated Kasch, a Northern Michigan recruit, has made an impact on junior linebacker Miles White.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • But as Election Day continued across the country, the prolific user of his own social media platform, X, remained relatively restrained.
    — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
  • His answer was a restrained yet expressive material palette, anchored by rich walnut millwork and reflective surfaces that tie the rooms together.
    — Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • The only other seats that went from blue to red are Texas' 32nd congressional district and Tennessee' 9th congressional district, but both of those flips were enabled by redistricting efforts that made the electorates far more conservative.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
  • But the mood about data centers and AI has turned negative in both liberal and conservative circles.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • Polished, unpretentious, and with charisma in spades, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is clean, Swiss alpine living at its most glamorous.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Out in Plant Street, there’s similar zhuzh, but a vibe that reflects Fonseca’s interest in both oysters — and unpretentious dining.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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