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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
Rather than styling these eye-catching picks with, say, a gold lamé number, nod at the ’80s in a more contemporary way with oversized blazers, slouchy boots, relaxed button-downs, and cigarette jeans; these baubles stand out so much more against a more understated backdrop.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Mid-City Restaurant, Downtown Mid-City is one of the friendliest and most understated restaurant/bars in town.
—Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Hall has an understated manner that belies her ability to catch people up in the gravitational pull of her mission.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
Rather than styling these eye-catching picks with, say, a gold lamé number, nod at the ’80s in a more contemporary way with oversized blazers, slouchy boots, relaxed button-downs, and cigarette jeans; these baubles stand out so much more against a more understated backdrop.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
Benet, whose role building the Catalonian giant into a major sports can’t be understated, would have known his post was under threat after Mediapro lost a long-standing contract to produce LaLiga soccer matches.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Mid-City Restaurant, Downtown Mid-City is one of the friendliest and most understated restaurant/bars in town.
—Keith Pandolfi, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
It was all suitably muted and understated.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
-
BeCalm is full of smart little touches that make life easier — think hidden pockets for your phone, buttery-soft fabrics that never cling, and muted tones that actually make getting dressed feel calming.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Insider sports gambling is a legitimate crisis for the NBA and should not be minimized.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Readers urged her to trust her instincts and not allow herself to be minimized.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet ahead of the NFL trade deadline.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Hotel Fasano São Paulo Itaim Consistently top-notch, from the beds to the dining, Hotel Fasano exudes quiet luxury.—
Jade Moyano,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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While Nash-Betts wore a plunging electric blue gown with a mermaid silhouette, Betts coordinated in a snakeskin trenchcoat with a more subdued shade of blue.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Fernandez decorated the home’s interiors with a warm, subdued palette to give the place a serene family-friendly vibe.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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India lost its review in desperation to get Wolvaardt dismissed, and then gambled with Verma’s gentle off-breakers.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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The lawsuit was dismissed in March after a judge found the group had no standing to pursue the claims made.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That doesn’t explain the physical dominance that feels more restrained these days.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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Using restrained color palettes, natural materials, and touches of drama, Lind and her team at her eponymous firm bring out their clients’ unique personal styles to create homes perfectly suited to their lives.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Cavanagh downplayed the need for NBCUniversal to bulk up with more assets after the Versant spinoff.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
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Houston leaders have downplayed the possibility of a serial killer following a rash of recent deaths involving the city's 2,500 miles of bayous, with Mayor John Whitmire blaming homelessness and substance abuse.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
While House Republicans can pass legislation with a simple majority vote, Senate Republicans cannot advance most matters without meeting a 60-vote threshold.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Oct. 2025
-
But in stoppage time, Miami was gifted a third goal when Jordi Alba crossed from the left and keeper Willis, colliding with defender Walker Zimmerman, spilled the ball right to Messi, who had the simplest of tap-ins.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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