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
  • These quiet temples attract grown-ups hungry for books that preserve our childhood worlds.
    — Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Stella Parton is opening up about her late sister Dolly Parton's quiet battle with cancer.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Britton has straight blond hair, blue eyes, and a muted affect.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Cramer said that stronger outlook, combined with the stock’s muted reaction, has made Five Below cheaper.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • Winfrey has a more subdued take on footwear, her choices consisting of neutral tones with the occasional leopard or snakeskin.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Now, in the midst of a subdued market, investors are being more selective, and the new playbook for funding fashion has a lot to do with the quality of that growth, the depth of connection with customers and the founder’s individual appeal.
    — Tara Donaldson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • After an uneasy offseason in Lincoln and an unusually understated approach by coach Matt Rhule ahead of his fourth season at Nebraska, the Huskers stoked plenty of nerves with disjointed periods of play.
    — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The 237 rooms and suites are serene, understated, and elegant, with paneled walls in dove gray and pale blue; beige marble and gold bathrooms; and the amenity du jour, pillow menus.
    — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • The storefront itself remains restrained, with each window presenting a single frame on a sculptural glass pedestal.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The push comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism at home for a restrained response, trying to balance Japan’s alliance with Washington and its commitment to international justice.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • In a comment underneath a Facebook post from 2025, Headen called for foreign attacks on states with a large conservative population.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Vance had planned to be in New York for the anniversary last year but instead flew to Salt Lake City to be with the family of Charlie Kirk after the conservative activist was fatally shot.
    — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it?
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In July 2016, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s love story began in an unpretentious first date at Soho House in London.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 29 Aug. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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