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 The investigative journalism outlet operates from a low-key office tucked into a historic Budapest building. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 The statement-making jeans was styled with a low-key long-sleeve T-shirt and black boots. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The result is a content-generating extravaganza that veers deeper into runway show territory than low-key industry appointment. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Gibson Elite Pasco Dinnerware Set Stoneware is the practical choice for everyday dishes—sturdy enough for weeknight use and handsome enough for low-key dinner parties. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 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
  • Firms that know exactly where the line sits hold quiet advantages their competitors cannot purchase or replicate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Glass admitted that as a young producer, he was intimidated by Adams and his quiet confidence.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • The corporate nerve center is clad in the company palette of muted grays and bright-red accents.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Volumes were very muted Monday for the first extended session for stocks.
    — Oliver Renick,Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • The subdued crowd in Chavez Ravine was often drowned out by the paltry number of Brewers fans in attendance.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The shoes served as a warm and subdued complement to the bright color of her dress, and still stood out with a sharp toe and stiletto heel.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • That reality makes the latest Carrera T more significant than its understated badge might suggest.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Inside, the interiors are a study in understated neutrals—warm gray,brown tones, and crisp white walls allow the marble fireplace and expansive lake views to serve as the art pieces.
    — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • The sheer black fabric included embroidered botanical elements, adding a touch of whimsy to the restrained look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • Davis’s letter follows a separate ethics complaint filed by a conservative watchdog group to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics over Slotkin’s University of Chicago remarks, first reported by the Washington Examiner on Tuesday.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group of state legislators and private-sector members, cast it as part of a growing bipartisan movement and urged the remaining states to follow.
    — Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • The unpretentious city is dotted with temporary staffing agencies, money-wiring businesses and Mexican restaurants.
    — Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Widow’s Bay Sorry, but that murderers’ row of unpretentious acting talent isn’t going to be topped.
    — Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 9 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 24 Oct. 2026.

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