as in muted
not excessively showy
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
And there’s no player on the roster whose role is more understated than Janmark’s.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Haliburton was more understated, praising the rest of his teammates.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
And there’s no player on the roster whose role is more understated than Janmark’s.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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The halter neckline, open back, and flowing fabric give it a breezy, resort-ready vibe—especially in the muted sage green.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2025
-
Natural light pours in through the windows, highlighting the soft textures and muted palette.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Verb
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So any advantage a driver or team has today will likely be minimized and copied in short order.—
Jeff Gluck,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Given these circumstances, the stakes that come with winning games down the stretch have, in some ways, been minimized.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Pulse Picks Yes, the MLB trade deadline could be quiet … but there are some big names that could move, too.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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Both headphones are astonishingly quiet, virtually eliminating lower drone sounds, cutting higher frequency noises like key clicks, and even erasing piercing sounds like dogs barking with a bit of music.—
Ryan Waniata,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are continuing on a subdued trajectory, reflecting persistent macroeconomic headwinds and investor caution.—
Courtney Fingar,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Lennar's earnings report last week also showed subdued activity , with the homebuilder leaning on incentives to gin up demand.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
22 June 2025
Verb
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Rodgers dismissed three of Rashada’s other counts Tuesday, almost four months after a hearing.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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However, five months later, Johansson’s request for the restraining order was forced to be dismissed after the papers were unable to be served to her alleged stalker.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Chief among them is that Iran's retaliatory strike turned out to be more restrained than many had feared.—
,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
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His cooking balances the delicate, restrained flavors of traditional kaiseki with the richer, more robust flavors he’s explored in Western kitchens.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Verb
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However, Mariners executive vice president/general manager Justin Hollander appeared optimistic about Robles' recovery and downplayed surgery concerns.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the exchange.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In addition, the independence of private universities and their tax status that encourages donations supports conservative and sectarian schools: Boston College, Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Liberty University, among many others.—
Peter Balakian
July 9,
Literary Hub,
9 July 2025
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But even after the court's conservative majority limited the use of far-reaching injunctions that block enforcement of a policy across the country, the justices may continue to face a steady drumbeat of emergency appeals seeking their intervention.—
Melissa Quinn
July 9,
CBS News,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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