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
Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
The rich finish and tailored detailing give it an understated sophistication that works especially well in offices, laundry rooms, and dressing rooms.
—Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
That figure should grow, as data for the week of June 8 is currently understated.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
In Neighborhood, an understated restaurant tucked away in a Hong Kong alley, chef David Lai is patiently scoring, marinating and curing a fresh pomfret he’s just picked up at the market.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
The rich finish and tailored detailing give it an understated sophistication that works especially well in offices, laundry rooms, and dressing rooms.
—Jaha Nailah Avery, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Verb
The Macallan’s status as a celebratory brand can’t be understated.
—Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
That figure should grow, as data for the week of June 8 is currently understated.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
Here are a few takeaways from the sentencing hearing, including Heuermann’s muted statement, the heartfelt and emotional speeches from victims’ families and the next steps on the road to justice.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Pair it with pale blues and garden greens to double up on muted hues, or embrace the cinnamon hue and layer it with earth tones.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
When minimized, these bubbles stay on top of other apps.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
16 June 2026
-
In recent years, younger academics increasingly alleged that Wood was too well-established, the epitome of the old-school historian who minimized the lives of slaves, women and Indigenous people.—
Hillel Italie,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Only six minutes into this match, New Zealand has scored to take a 1-0 lead and temporarily quiet what had been a raucous crowd tilted toward the Iranian team.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
The end of mandatory minicamp ushers in the quietest time on the NFL calendar.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Johnson is among six people featured by Pam Bondi whose cases have now been dismissed.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
-
Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher and Josh Tongue were dismissed in two double-wicket maidens by Henry.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Messi downplayed tying the record in a postgame interview.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
-
The vice president and other officials have downplayed evidence of collateral damage in their crackdown on fraudulent hospices.—
Isaac Arnsdorf,
Washington Post,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
At first, the fins were tasteful and restrained, adding jet-age glamour to post-war American cars.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Material choices are homey and restrained—soft woods, neutral fabrics, and sculptural artwork chosen during frequent meetings between the designers and clients—creating a quieter, more private atmosphere than the communal areas elsewhere onboard.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Armando Chavez, owner of local business NorCal Siders, was brought in for a simple roof patch-up but left with a big idea.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex, like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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