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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Nine West Barile Heeled Boots Available in medium- and wide-calf options, this pair of riding boots has an understated silhouette that’s great for the minimalist.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Kupp’s no longer the top option for his team, but the role he’s played in getting the Seahawks all the way to Santa Clara for Sunday’s Super Bowl can’t be understated.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Featuring a flattering high-rise waist and an understated bootcut, these affordable and stylish jeans are a real hit with shoppers, too.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Nine West Barile Heeled Boots Available in medium- and wide-calf options, this pair of riding boots has an understated silhouette that’s great for the minimalist.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
It’s certainly understated rather than in-your-face luxury.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Kupp’s no longer the top option for his team, but the role he’s played in getting the Seahawks all the way to Santa Clara for Sunday’s Super Bowl can’t be understated.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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This provided a clean palette for the recreation of muted, period-accurate tones with subtle, textured colors set against the deep wood grains, which complemented the 35mm Kodak film stock.—
Bill Desowitz,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
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Queen’s impact has been a bit more muted and inconsistent since Zion Williamson re-entered the lineup for the New Orleans Pelicans.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The strain of data centers on public infrastruction-power and water-is being minimized as they are built in Texas.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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The report warned that neglect is often minimized within the child welfare system, where it can be conflated with poverty and social workers may be reluctant to penalize poor or minority parents who are juggling multiple jobs.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Without my father’s booming presence, our house was strangely quiet.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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What was once a gravel and sand mine is being reforested and turned into a sanctuary with quiet beaches and a pristine, spring water lake.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With such a statement on top, Jenner kept the rest of the look relatively subdued.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
14 Feb. 2026
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The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The additional charges were dismissed.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
15 Feb. 2026
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Obama dismissed those rumors, joking that if aliens existed and were being concealed, even the president was not in on it.—
Adisa Hargett-Robinson,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Hours after Pretti was shot dead while restrained and kneeling, Leon Virden and one of his sons joined a protest near the scene.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
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Beatrix, first as crown princess and later as queen, continued to use the tiara, although with a more restrained use, often combining it with other pieces of the ensemble or reserving it for very specific diplomatic appointments.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This film adaptation cut out the second half of the book, downplayed the violence committed by Olivier’s character, Heathcliff, and played up the romance between Heathcliff and Oberon’s character, Cathy.—
Becky Little,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The self-effacing Kress downplayed the moment.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That simple sentiment distills what being a Louisianan is about.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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No doubt history would be very different if a citizen’s duty was simple obeyance.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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