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 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 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 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 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 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
  • What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 July 2026
  • Her bronzed makeup look consisted of taupe eyeshadow, black eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a muted matte lip.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026
  • All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 June 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • For a more understated look, classic French tips, neutral ombré, and sheer pink designs offer a polished finish without feeling too bold.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • They're envisioned by architect Charles Zana, and radiate understated elegance through the use of natural materials such as terra-cotta tiles, linen fabrics, and handcrafted ceramics that create an inviting atmosphere.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
    — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • The conservative assault on child health starts with the anti-vaccine campaign and proceeds to cutbacks in nutrition assistance and narrowed access to healthcare.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Each capsule biography offers a short video created in partnership with the conservative media organization PragerU.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • This intimate bar strikes a balance between intentional cocktails and an unpretentious vibe.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • While the pavilionlike design pays homage to International Style, the simple, unpretentious finishes recall the beach houses of yore.
    — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 4 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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