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
Generously, Thompson’s performance leaves room for two more, the first being Poots’ low-key but impressive Thea, a mousy woman who arrives wet and bedraggled, causing Hedda to dress her in her own clothes (a gesture that has more than one meaning for Hedda, who’s still in love with Eileen).
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
This means ditching one-off giveaways and committing to a consistent, low-key presence—think monthly health Q&As, relevant check-in polls or community-only beta features.
—Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
And for a player with a low-key personality, the last several weeks have been noisy.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
With Orlando about 90 minutes northwest, most people headed to this part of the Sunshine State are making a beeline to the theme parks, which means missing out on Melbourne’s beautiful, uncrowded beaches; charming, historic downtown; and low-key, Old Florida vibe.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
This means ditching one-off giveaways and committing to a consistent, low-key presence—think monthly health Q&As, relevant check-in polls or community-only beta features.
—Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
And for a player with a low-key personality, the last several weeks have been noisy.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
With Orlando about 90 minutes northwest, most people headed to this part of the Sunshine State are making a beeline to the theme parks, which means missing out on Melbourne’s beautiful, uncrowded beaches; charming, historic downtown; and low-key, Old Florida vibe.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
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Accompanied by husband Prince William, the Princess of Wales evoked subdued elegance for the somber affair.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
16 Sep. 2025
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The subdued nature of this wine is very inviting, and the varietal character is spot on without announcing itself.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whether your taste skews towards understated basics or bold patterns, however, is entirely up to you.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
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The interior is a prime example of quiet luxury, with an understated palette of browns and beiges, clean lines, and minimalist furnishings.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Will the new brokers and wielders of power be more prudent and restrained?—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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While the costumery was slightly more restrained than, say, a Met Gala, at the same time there was a back-to-school festival feel to the outfits.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Peace Nest Linen Cotton Blend Duvet Cover Set For an effortless, earthy look, add this linen-blend duvet set to your bed that’s available in muted cream, gray, and pink.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Sep. 2025
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Duff attended the Fendi Spring/Summer 2026 show on Tuesday, September 24, along with a number of other fashion-loving celebrities like Naomi Watts and Shailene Woodley, both of whom wore muted colors and barely-there nail polishes.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Primland’s founder, Didier Primat, built the resort as a retreat from everyday life—a place where guests could connect with the land and with each other in a setting that feels luxurious yet unpretentious.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
23 Sep. 2025
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The restaurant feels cozy and unpretentious, while the food is colorful and bright – some dishes are even served with edible flowers on top.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Don’t pull over in the roundabout Roundabouts with a single lane of traffic in each direction are fairly simple – yield to traffic in the roundabout, wait for a gap in traffic and go through, Bryson said.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
28 Sep. 2025
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This can be as simple as bodyweight movements, resistance bands or dumbbells, focusing on compound/functional movements like squats, pushes and pulls.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In certain corners of the Internet, people have spent the past year picking apart the Swedish influencer turned fashion mogul’s $200 cardigans, her quiet-luxury aesthetic, her linen-and-curtain-bangs image, and—oh yes—those toilet-cleaning allegations.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 Sep. 2025
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The potential series will center on Violet Sorrengail, whose plans for a quiet life are upended when her mother, a military general, orders her to join the brutal Basgiath War College and become one of several hundred candidates vying to become dragon riders.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Kimmel last week sparked a firestorm via comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that garnered a rebuke from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and his ABC suspension.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
24 Sep. 2025
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Goodman credits much of Kirk’s shift from secular conservative pundit to unapologetically devout Christian with a megaphone to his wife Erika Kirk.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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