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
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2026
Her glam followed the same understated approach, with her signature raven hair worn long, straight, and center-parted.
—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Caitlin Gunther,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Home renovation phenoms Julia and Chris Marcum teamed up with rug brand Loloi on a collection that features understated and muted designs like this one.
—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2026
Her glam followed the same understated approach, with her signature raven hair worn long, straight, and center-parted.
—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Verb
For a low-key, B&B-style stay, Le Secret has five bright guest rooms—understated with a mix of vintage decor—overlooking a lush garden with a sleek swimming pool, olive trees, Japanese maples, and figs.
—
Caitlin Gunther,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
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.
-
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
-
These behaviors are often minimized as personality quirks or generational differences.
-
Highlight details are more vivid and color bleeding is minimized.
Adjective
-
Prosecutors also alleged King fathered a child through an extra-marital affair and threatened the child’s mother to keep quiet.
-
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
-
If he was dismissed without cause, his contract provides for a minimum 12-month payout.
-
After earlier false rumors involving tsunami threats and the collapse of major transportation links, Rodríguez dismissed new viral claims about infrastructure failures, urging the public to rely exclusively on official sources.
Adjective
-
Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
Verb
-
Korotaev downplayed its significance using simpler logic, comparing it with Russia’s far more damaging strategic air and missile campaign against Ukraine.
-
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at the time downplayed the confrontation, with the Heat routinely making peace after acquiring former Heat instigators.
Adjective
-
Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
-
The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
Adjective
-
As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
-
Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
