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
Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Minimalist details like monochromatic stitching and a subtle Kate Spade logo clasp add to its understated elegance.
—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
That figure should grow, as data for the week of June 8 is currently understated.
—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Coding plays an understated role in industries that are traditionally analog, such as the fashion industry.
—
Roy Stephen Canivel,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Minimalist details like monochromatic stitching and a subtle Kate Spade logo clasp add to its understated elegance.
—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
Verb
While its exterior is understated, the G90 provides a comfortable ride and surprisingly nimble handling for its size.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
That figure should grow, as data for the week of June 8 is currently understated.
—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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Facing declining retail sales and a muted 618 shopping festival, Beijing seeks to integrate AI across consumer electronics, home appliances, wearables, retail, tourism, health, and elder care.
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PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Tyson Foods, Kellogg's, Campbell's, Coca-Cola, Nestle and Hershey are among other big-name companies that have pledged to or already phased out certain dyes, in some cases giving us the more muted versions of snacks like Doritos, Cheetos and Trix cereal.
Verb
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These behaviors are often minimized as personality quirks or generational differences.
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Highlight details are more vivid and color bleeding is minimized.
Adjective
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Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
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But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
Verb
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Johnson is among six people featured by Pam Bondi whose cases have now been dismissed.
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Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher and Josh Tongue were dismissed in two double-wicket maidens by Henry.
Adjective
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Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
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All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
Verb
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Messi downplayed tying the record in a postgame interview.
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The vice president and other officials have downplayed evidence of collateral damage in their crackdown on fraudulent hospices.
Adjective
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The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down.
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The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down.
Adjective
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The questions Campbell needs to answer are simple.
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Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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