variants
also low-keyed
as in subdued
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
In a race that includes a former governor and incumbent mayor with national reputations, a socialist frontrunner, and a combative former mayoral candidate toting a red beret, Walden’s relatively low-key temperament has seen his presence in the campaign diminished by his rivals.
—
Menachem Spiegel, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Some contemporary studios also offer low-key classes centered around stretching with traditional Pilates apparatus.
—Megan Falk, SELF, 5 Aug. 2025
The Mariners just took three out of four from the Rangers, including a win in Sunday’s series finale.
Boston, meanwhile, was the least active of the bunch, bringing in starter Dustin May and reliever Steven Matz in low-key deals the deadline.
—Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
Despite their meditative loveliness, low-key projects like The Scout can leave something to be desired in terms of narrative.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Menachem Spiegel, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Some contemporary studios also offer low-key classes centered around stretching with traditional Pilates apparatus.
—Megan Falk, SELF, 5 Aug. 2025
The Mariners just took three out of four from the Rangers, including a win in Sunday’s series finale.
Boston, meanwhile, was the least active of the bunch, bringing in starter Dustin May and reliever Steven Matz in low-key deals the deadline.
—Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
Despite their meditative loveliness, low-key projects like The Scout can leave something to be desired in terms of narrative.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
The bank also published a subdued note from chief economist Jan Hatzius that forecast U.S. GDP growth would be only 1% in the second half of the year.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Over the past three months, Trump has been engaged in multiple rounds of saber-rattling and often intense negotiations with U.S. trading partners that have jangled nerves but nonetheless coincided with a subdued but solid pace of economic growth.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Curiosity is an underestimated and understated leadership trait.—
Janine Schindler,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Tremayne has become a dark horse in the wideout competition because of his reliable hands and understated route running ability, and Young took advantage of both attributes on the deep toss.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Out went the restrained décor of previous administrations; in came gilt cherubs, Rococo mirrors, and medallions gleaming with theatrical flair.—
Lilah Ramzi,
Vogue,
3 Aug. 2025
-
But staying true to her restrained and edited style, Samuel keeps the fun in balance and tops it all with quick-dry cushions in a neutral hue.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The situation changes over time, and so, in a more muted way, do the politics.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Here’s why Nonfarm payrolls rose by just 73,000 in July, below even the muted expectations.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
There are many earnest, unpretentious reasons to be a regular reader, from stepping into someone else’s shoes to escaping from the stress of day-to-day life.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Reaches out to underserved children The club, tucked behind Parrot Jungle, is known for its friendly, unpretentious spirit, commitment to community service and goal to educate youth and adults about recreational and competitive sailing.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
The recycled leather lanyard adds to its convenience and simple, timeless style.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Aug. 2025
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In North Carolina, Republicans are a few votes shy of a supermajority in one chamber but still control the redistricting process because the state’s congressional maps are not subject to veto and therefore can be passed by a simple majority in the legislature.—
Elena Shao,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Aston Villa have had a quiet summer, which has led to varying opinions on their floor and ceiling.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Thessaloniki, however, pulses with spice-laden markets, waterfront cafés, and Byzantine mosaics tucked into quiet chapels.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The managers curate a mixture of funds with stocks and bonds inside the single large fund, shifting the balance to be more conservative as workers get closer to their target retirement year.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
14 Aug. 2025
-
First, the Heritage Foundation was never conservative.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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