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
Relevance
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
These pants are dressy enough to wear to the office, but low-key enough for weekend wear.
—
Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Or, for a low-key evening lounging on the couch, team them with the matching cami.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2025
The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Ree revealed her low-key date night tradition with Ladd, 56, in a blog post on her website last month.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Or, for a low-key evening lounging on the couch, team them with the matching cami.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2025
The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Ree revealed her low-key date night tradition with Ladd, 56, in a blog post on her website last month.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
Economists see an uptick in hiring, though still at a subdued level.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Eventually the euphoria of the moment started giving way to subdued appreciation.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Home renovation phenoms Julia and Chris Marcum teamed up with rug brand Loloi on a collection that features understated and muted designs like this one.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Made with a silky-soft, stretchy material, this tee is designed with understated blanket stitching along the shoulders, adding an elevated touch to the classic style.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In the after-hours, the black faille number styled with a silky lime-green tank top was at once restrained and opulent, just great for a night out.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
-
In practice, despite his rhetoric, Israel’s longest serving prime minister’s security policy was widely seen as cautious and relatively restrained, even derided as cowardly by political rivals, who also mocked his inability to make decisive moves.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The muted colors and suede fabric give it an antique feel, and the berry and pinecone accented greenery at the top looks like it was pulled right off grandma’s tree.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The Vatican offered muted congratulations to Mullally on her appointment.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Britani, who has been all too quiet this whole time, sees an opening to make it about her, and thank god for that.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Tom Willander Willander had a quiet showing at prospect camp and training camp, then debuted with two sensational preseason performances against the Seattle Kraken and the Calgary Flames.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Those frequently violent protests in downtown Portland stretched on for more than 100 days and became a top target for conservative leaders who argued Democratic leaders of major cities were being too soft on criminals.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share