Synonyms of understated

understated 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 

as in muted

not excessively showy

the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muted
• quiet
• subdued
• restrained
• conservative
• simple
• low-key
• unpretentious
• low-keyed
• unflashy
• proper
• repressed
• toned-down
• appropriate
• modest
• fitting
• sober
• handsome
• plain
• suitable
• graceful
• unadorned
• unobtrusive
• inconspicuous
• tasteful
• practical
• sensible
• undecorated
• fit
• becoming
• unnoticeable
• drab
• refined
• mousy
• mousey

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loud
• ostentatious
• flamboyant
• gaudy
• flashy
• garish
• glitzy
• swanky
• noisy
• swank
• splashy
• meretricious
• flaring
• tawdry
• tacky
• ornate
• vulgar
• fancy
• inelegant
• trashy
• tasteless
• baroque
• razzle-dazzle
• gilded
• gilt
• frilly
• rococo
• graceless
• overwrought
• overdecorated
• overdone

understated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of understate

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

• minimized
• underplayed
• dismissed
• downplayed
• played down
• soft-pedaled
• de-emphasized
• belittled
• denigrated
• disparaged
• talked down
• depreciated
• derogated
• decried
• ran down
• cried down
• deprecated
• kissed off
• trashed
• trash-talked
• bad-mouthed
• put down
• poor-mouthed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• overstated
• exaggerated
• elaborated
• embellished
• embroidered
• overdid
• padded
• stretched
• magnified
• hedged
• overdrew
• overemphasized
• overplayed
• fudged
• sensationalized
• melodramatized

Examples of understated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With an intriguing blend of short-area quickness, long-end speed and understated power, Brooks has the upside to be a top-tier player at his position down the road. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2024

The sleek, minimalist bottle with its clean lines and understated label reflects the sophistication of the fragrance within. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 July 2024

Some observers have speculated that Trump might prefer an understated vice president, like Burgum, who would rarely draw more attention than the president. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 29 June 2024

The brand leverages its understated, functional and timeless designs, which was true for spring, as well. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 18 June 2024