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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of understated
Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 9 May 2025
Haliburton was more understated, praising the rest of his teammates.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 7 May 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
The shade is more understated than golden apricot, perfect for folks like me who typically brighten up for summer but want to get a little more playful by adding in some gentle red tones.
—Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 9 May 2025
Haliburton was more understated, praising the rest of his teammates.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 7 May 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
-
Flavonoids, an antioxidant found in oranges and other plants, may contribute to orange juice's muted effect on blood sugar.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
22 July 2025
-
Wall Street is tracking for a muted open after the S & P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq ended yesterday's session at another record close.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Sure, Texas has plenty of sleepy towns, dusty ranchland and quiet downtowns that rarely see a crowd.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
-
The couple was murdered that same day On a sunbaked afternoon in the quiet hills of Encino, a nightmare unfolded behind the white stucco walls of a music-world power couple’s upscale home.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
All those greens, yellows, reds, and pinks will shine in a more subdued room setting, and the precious creation just might inspire you to start taking line dancing lessons.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
18 July 2025
-
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
Verb
-
Rodgers dismissed three of Rashada’s other counts Tuesday, almost four months after a hearing.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
Several Republican members who spent years hyping up the Epstein case remained restrained in criticizing the White House's handling of the matter.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
24 July 2025
-
This restrained color story feels fresh yet timeless.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the exchange.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Farrier grew up in New Zealand and attended a conservative Christian school.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
21 July 2025
-
Edwin Feulner, founder and longtime president of the influential U.S. conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation, has died, the foundation announced in a statement.—
Reuters,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share