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
With live music daily, this low-key waterfront spot in Bayfront Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset.
—
Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026
Apparently, the sheer skirt is no longer reserved for an office siren business-ready blazer look—this winter, the celebs are pairing their see-through skirts with much more approachable, low-key top halves.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
Hilton Head, South Carolina Hilton Head is a low-key Lowcountry island that has something for everyone.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Pair it with slacks for a business casual outfit or jeans for a look that’s more low-key.
—Emma Guillen, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2026
Apparently, the sheer skirt is no longer reserved for an office siren business-ready blazer look—this winter, the celebs are pairing their see-through skirts with much more approachable, low-key top halves.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
Hilton Head, South Carolina Hilton Head is a low-key Lowcountry island that has something for everyone.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Pair it with slacks for a business casual outfit or jeans for a look that’s more low-key.
—Emma Guillen, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
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The lightweight fabric is also quiet, so you won’t be awoken from crinkling material.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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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
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The tight weave and muted colors get the spirit of the wall-hanging just right, and the botanical print makes a great value-add against more modern colors and textures (dark brown chenille or white linen are coming to mind, for example).—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
20 Jan. 2026
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Keep your look simple with a blue that's equal parts muted and vibrant.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
20 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
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The rooms Rooms at Marsa Al Arab are inspired by Italy’s vintage Riva boats, with understated nautical themes and terraces that look out either over Burj Al Arab, or the hotel’s marina and the sweeping curve of Kite Beach beyond.—
Selina Denman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Jan. 2026
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Folegandros, Greece Often overshadowed by neighboring Cycladic islands, Folegandros remains one of Greece’s most understated destinations.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
22 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
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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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If Nayara were to sell for anything close to the figures cited in press reports—or even Forbes’ more conservative estimates—Ghirelli would net a more than 500% gain.—
Giacomo Tognini,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Many young men express skepticism toward feminism, discomfort with shifts in gender norms and a growing attraction to more conservative cultural messaging.—
Laurel Elder,
Fortune,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 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 25 Jan. 2026.
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