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
Krista Carter, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
It was known that her mother sewed her sequin-heavy competition dresses, and the outfits were viewed as garish, especially when compared to Kerrigan’s understated ensembles—designed by Vera Wang, no less.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Armando Ledezma, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
The Hermès Mahjong set, for instance, is intentionally understated.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Awkwafina's long, tousled layers are the epitome of understated elegance.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
It was known that her mother sewed her sequin-heavy competition dresses, and the outfits were viewed as garish, especially when compared to Kerrigan’s understated ensembles—designed by Vera Wang, no less.
—Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Even the police and military presence was strangely understated.
—Armando Ledezma, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
The Hermès Mahjong set, for instance, is intentionally understated.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
While the would-be leaders of France and Germany issued sharp rebukes to Trump, the opposition in central and eastern Europe was more muted.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Henson’s makeup and hair complemented the theatricality of her attire, with her hair tossed in a high bun and the actress’ makeup featuring dramatic eyes and a muted lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Many owners treat labor as a cost to be minimized, but that’s like trying to save money by using less salt.—
Lewis Schiff,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The implications are far reaching — with the recognition that abuse reports are not discretionary, but mandatory, retaliation would be minimized.—
Mary Buser,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
More subdued is the second iteration, which features a white base with cream overlays.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
For the best mood-boosting environment, Wadden suggests balancing the brighter color with more subdued neutrals.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Sprowls sued, and an appellate court dismissed the lawsuit, siding with the county party, Davis said.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In November, a federal judge dismissed the charges against both Comey and James, finding that Halligan had been unlawfully appointed.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the impact of losing her great love in a 1990 racing accident translated into a sober and restrained closet.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Grapes here develop with higher acidity and lower sugar levels, which leads to wines that feel more restrained and layered.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While Brown did not speak to reporters after the 23-19 loss, Sirianni downplayed the incident during his postgame news conference.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
British officials downplayed the pause as temporary, insisting momentum would resume amid complex negotiations, but the impasse signals broader frustrations with Europe’s regulatory posture toward American innovation, market access, and economic sovereignty.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In such a world, simple answers won’t do; only the courage to ask the hardest questions will push us forward.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Knox, who committed to wrestle at Rutgers University, and his dad were initially charged with simple assault for purposely/knowingly causing bodily injury after a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School on February.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
