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
Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026
This High-neck Midi Dress is the definition of understated elegance.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
In this case, his description of the electrical engineer and professor may be understated.
—Drew Endy, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Made from 100% Brazilian cotton and garment-washed for lived-in softness, Matteo's Riviera delivers understated refinement that lasts.
—Jasmine Desiree, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2026
This High-neck Midi Dress is the definition of understated elegance.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Verb
Instead, the atmosphere was understated, with the team encouraging guests to focus on movement, recovery, sleep, and connection.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
In this case, his description of the electrical engineer and professor may be understated.
—Drew Endy, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
The abrupt end to her doubles foray at the HSBC Queen’s Club Championships was more muted.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The array of feathers added pops of color to the dress, with muted, earthy tones like soft browns and golds and more featured throughout.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 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
-
All of which spilled into public view at the City Council meeting, with commissioners claiming that, after numerous meetings, the mayor’s office dismissed their concerns and recommendations for this particular reappointment to the board.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
-
Iraqi courts later dismissed charges against him, and Baghdad released him in 2012.—
Eric Mack,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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The Garden Room was also recently reimagined and now hosts Après Tea, a more elegant and subdued take on the post-ski tradition.—
Chadner Navarro,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
The skirt suit look capitalized on modern restraint, with streamlined style and subdued elements throughout.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Roberts downplayed the challenge of integrating a catcher midseason.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
But city officials who spoke with The Star, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, downplayed the issue, saying the city, team and state remain in close communication.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The ones made by Graf Lantz have a tidy, contemporary look that plays well with both bold and restrained design preferences, and come in an expressive melange of colors and shapes.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Nov. 2025
-
Nicholas Anzalone and Anthony Farina, guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York who faced a murder charge before pleading guilty to a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter, were sentenced to 22 years in prison for their role in the beating death of a restrained detainee.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
My wife goes into the kitchen and returns with beer, fruit, and a few simple dishes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
When the Phoenix Mercury started chipping away at the Valkyries’ 18-point lead, threatening to turn a dominant night into a late-game nightmare, Golden State had a simple answer.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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