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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of low-key
The sprawling battle for the Senate is even animating low-key Democrats, like Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin, who see this as a critical moment to support candidates who can win general elections in red and purple states.
—
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
While millions of fans are already mapping out their routes to Dallas and Arlington for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a more low-key soccer scene is taking shape about 30 miles west in Fort Worth.
—Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026
The low-key couple welcomed the bundle back in December after the former tennis star, 44, was seen around town covering up a baby bump on school runs.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Most people are here for an easy getaway in the area—creative types on low-key weekend escapes from Los Angeles and couples who want something chic but unfussy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
While millions of fans are already mapping out their routes to Dallas and Arlington for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a more low-key soccer scene is taking shape about 30 miles west in Fort Worth.
—Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026
The low-key couple welcomed the bundle back in December after the former tennis star, 44, was seen around town covering up a baby bump on school runs.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Most people are here for an easy getaway in the area—creative types on low-key weekend escapes from Los Angeles and couples who want something chic but unfussy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
Aside from some quiet complaints about the NCAA’s COVID-19 protocols for people sitting around the court, no one offered anything other than positive reviews.—
Mac Engel
March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Despite her difficult start, Kaiko has since been recovering in her new home, with the viral video capturing a quiet but significant milestone—her first night sleeping indoors.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the meantime, the Bay Area will stay dry on Thursday with a notable warming trend as temperatures rise back into the 80s across the interior, with a more muted warmup (into the 70s) closer to the water.—
Greg Porter,
San Francisco Chronicle,
26 Mar. 2026
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In markets, trading has been mixed across Asia, while European futures indicate a muted open.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Loose ends and compelling payoffs await after a subdued and slow-ish first frame that struggles with a balance between dark brooding and uneven lull.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Institutional investors spent much of the first quarter selling upside bets—effectively wagering that prices wouldn’t rise sharply—to generate income in a subdued market, said James Harris, chief executive officer at asset manager Tesseract.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Rich earth tones—clay, sand, and khaki—feel modern right now, offering a polished, understated alternative to traditional blue.—
Andrea Zendejas,
Vogue,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Her hair was styled in an effortless loose ponytail, completing the ensemble with understated ease.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Grace had given us this restrained performance.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
-
High ceilings, expansive windows, and a restrained neutral palette creates an atmosphere that feels instantly and effortlessly calm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The idol system, concentrated around what’s known as the big four companies—HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG—is coming off as sluggish and conservative.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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In Minnesota specifically, there have been a total of 138 cases involving some sort of voter fraud between 2004 and 2025, according to data compiled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The dinky port town of Antiparos, with a strip of cute shops, cafes, and unpretentious restaurants, is a ten-minute drive.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Los Callejones, may be nestled in the Fashion District but the place has its own DNA, unpretentious with its kaleidoscope of items to buy, from scented oils to lingerie to work uniforms.—
Lilliam Rivera,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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