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
Reeves had hoped her statement to the House of Commons would be a relatively low-key affair, but economists are warning that the Iran war could upend the forecasts, depressing growth, stoking inflation and increasing debt.
—
ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Early meet-ups, in my experience, tend to be low-key—coffee at a café, a quick drink, or a stroll.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2026
David Jaffe took to YouTube and ripped almost every element of the rather low-key photo that shows star Ryan Hurst as Kratos with his son Atreus, played by Callum Vinson, hunting in the woods.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026
These days, singles are opting for something more low-key.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Early meet-ups, in my experience, tend to be low-key—coffee at a café, a quick drink, or a stroll.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2026
David Jaffe took to YouTube and ripped almost every element of the rather low-key photo that shows star Ryan Hurst as Kratos with his son Atreus, played by Callum Vinson, hunting in the woods.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026
These days, singles are opting for something more low-key.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
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The Huskies seemed determined to keep Bascoe quiet, bringing double teams to the Villanova point guard that left teammates open on the perimeter, and the gamble played off with the Wildcats shooting just 4-for-20 on 3-pointers in the first half.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
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Villa Giggione is a quiet perch about three miles from Positano, in Maiori, that feels tailor-made for a couples’ getaway.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This manicure plays with two shades of green, a muted olive and a vibrant shamrock.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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Guest rooms are decked out in muted coastal blues and offer ocean views, the SEA Wellness Spa specializes in hydrating and anti-aging facials, massages, and nailcare, and a restaurant, lounge, and bar serve a variety of salads, seafood, and cocktails.—
Tim Chester,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The subdued testimony came a little more than a month after Ye took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, apologizing for antisemitic remarks.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
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At the Grist House Beer Crib on Pittsburgh Road in Butler, Thursday nights usually have a more subdued crowd, but not on this particular Thursday.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Carolyn wants to do away with the fluff and have an intimate, understated wedding.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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Prefer something more understated?—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Even the more restrained Lampros is facing criticism from local attorneys and law enforcement who say his group’s tactics violate constitutional rights and jeopardize legitimate investigations.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
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The restrained green and yellow palette of lady's mantle has a pretty cottage look without adding more color.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Republican voters demonstrated their willingness to embrace ultra-conservative candidates by bringing Attorney General Ken Paxton close to victory in the Senate primary despite his scandals and controversial history, suggesting the rightward trajectory of the GOP continues[1].—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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The relatively modest fiscal stimulus also aligned with the more conservative growth target, Xu noted.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The club’s fortunes have been transformed over the five years since, but even with A-list celebrities in the stands, lending an air of celebrity that seems at odds with this unpretentious North Wales town, a sense of earthiness endures.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Everything about Twisted Teens’ musical demeanor is casual and unpretentious.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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