as in muted
not excessively showy
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in minimized
to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is
He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue/problem.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
With breezy beachfront fun, stunning original art, and comfortable, inviting furnishings, the atmosphere here feels understated and classy.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026
Where many traditional styles lean understated, with tight corners and neutral palettes, Lulu & Georgia maximizes the visual footprint of this upholstered bed with a ruffled lining and bold prints and colorways.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Johnson displayed his understated versatility as an isolation defender throughout the series opener, forcing Randle and Edwards into tough shots despite mainly taking the Jaden McDaniels assignment.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
With breezy beachfront fun, stunning original art, and comfortable, inviting furnishings, the atmosphere here feels understated and classy.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
For tight corners and compact rooms, Pottery Barn’s design-forward Hyde chair is a polished yet understated pick.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2026
Where many traditional styles lean understated, with tight corners and neutral palettes, Lulu & Georgia maximizes the visual footprint of this upholstered bed with a ruffled lining and bold prints and colorways.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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The château’s striking original facade somehow melds serendipitously with the contemporary interior, which exudes calm thanks to natural stone, fine woods, and muted fabrics throughout.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For a more elevated take on the duo, Browning suggests a more muted approach.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But those receipts have been at least somewhat minimized by the lavish tax breaks local governments have granted to data center developers.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
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For as long as medicine has been practiced, women’s health concerns have been minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed.—
Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
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Here, the spa is much smaller and more subdued in design, although the same treatments are offered.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some claims have been dismissed or settled out of court, while others are ongoing.—
Michael Kaplan,
CBS News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
For as long as medicine has been practiced, women’s health concerns have been minimized, misdiagnosed or dismissed.—
Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In contrast, Ionic capitals, which are more restrained, currently grace the columns at the entrance of the White House.—
Kevin D. Murphy,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
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Some had pushed for a slightly more restrained proposal that would have given Democrats the upper hand in nine of the 11 House seats.—
Russell Berman,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After The New York Post published the Russini-Vrabel photos last week, the pair downplayed the handsy interaction.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
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Ladapo and Kennedy have downplayed vaccine safety, defying decades of scientific evidence to the contrary.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable.—
Isis Briones,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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