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 Yet as related here in the low-key delivery of someone who not just survived but lived to be 101 years old, Jaku was able to enjoy the love, peace, contentment and security he was denied in his youth. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 When Rodríguez Diez asked to keep his 25th anniversary of being at the company low-key, Andersen threw him a surprise reception, flying in his two children from Spain. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 But a low-key science fiction drama from earlier in his eclectic filmography is arguably Wise's most memorable and influential work. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 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
  • Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • His wife Ajin, 32, sets out to win compensation but runs into a system that thrives on exploiting people and keeping them quiet.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Instead of the pops of yellow included in the original design, Stone’s NYFF look went with muted grays and beiges.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With the crowd on its feet still hoping for a comeback, pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets struck out to end it and the Brewers had a muted celebration on the field.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • While the brown is a more subdued hue, Aquazzura currently offers the style in metallic gold and pink for $1,085.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • At Community Table, executive chef Marcell Davidsen brings an understated Nordic sensibility to the area’s locavore tendencies.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Despite this informal, jam-forward approach, however, Silk Fence appear to be chasing something; an understated but steady coherence gives direction to even their most wandering moments.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • 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
  • While the look nods to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with its restrained elegance, the final product is decidedly Giulia’s own.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • The agency cited a local news story, whose source for its reporting was an X post from conservative activist and social media influencer Scott Presler.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The task fell to Atomic Canyon, whose CEO Trey Lauderdale previously worked to integrate AI into health care, another conservative industry.
    — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • Despite all that geekery, Varietale feels refreshingly unpretentious at all its locations throughout the city.
    — Nikkita Nair, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it?
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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