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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understated
Brin Snelling, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Rather than a super stark white (which may seem unnaturally light on your waterline), the creamy shade is more understated, giving the appearance of large doe eyes.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 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
Additional offerings at the store include design services for personalized charm bracelets and necklaces, in-store soldering of heirloom pieces, and wedding ring consultations with designs that reflect Catbird’s understated and distinct point of view.
—Brin Snelling, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Rather than a super stark white (which may seem unnaturally light on your waterline), the creamy shade is more understated, giving the appearance of large doe eyes.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 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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Advertisement Advertisement But hopes for a breakthrough this weekend with the Chinese remain muted.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
9 May 2025
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Over the decades, observance of V-E Day in the West has assumed a more muted, solemn tone.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
8 May 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
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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
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The saw-whets, perhaps intimidated by the larger owl, had gone quiet.—
Brad Dokken,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2025
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It’s been infinitesimally rare, even in his quietest performances, that Jokic has ever actively brought down his team’s chances of winning.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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The Northern Hemisphere experiences a more subdued shower, with about 10 to 20 meteors streaking across the sky each hour, NASA said.—
Hannah Poukish,
Sacbee.com,
4 May 2025
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There is also Rosy Check, Sterling Check, and Mocha Check, which feel more subdued.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Apr. 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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In 2024, China's approach to U.S. tariffs remained relatively restrained.—
Kate Nalepinski,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
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Maybe this will be a rare case of restrained longing.—
Laura Bradley,
Vulture,
9 May 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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Like Palace, Eze’s conservative approach should not be mistaken as passive.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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But the Trump administration’s refugee program only offers relocation to Afrikaners, who are largely seen as holding conservative and Christian values that might align with the politics of the Trump administration.—
Gerald Imray,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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