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
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Rose Byrne was the picture of understated elegance in a light pink sleeveless Chanel midi dress that was adorned with silver rhinestone on the bodice and the waist.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
As the conflict puts a hold on the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential for global shipping, the expectation of delays and increasing prices is being understated, economists in the region said.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
The expansive collection presented in the brand’s headquarters highlighted its understated elegance, the gentle proportions of its designs and study of fabrications.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Rose Byrne was the picture of understated elegance in a light pink sleeveless Chanel midi dress that was adorned with silver rhinestone on the bodice and the waist.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
It cannot be understated just how strange the Webber shows were.
—Isobel Lewis, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
As the conflict puts a hold on the Strait of Hormuz, which is essential for global shipping, the expectation of delays and increasing prices is being understated, economists in the region said.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
This manicure plays with two shades of green, a muted olive and a vibrant shamrock.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Guest rooms are decked out in muted coastal blues and offer ocean views, the SEA Wellness Spa specializes in hydrating and anti-aging facials, massages, and nailcare, and a restaurant, lounge, and bar serve a variety of salads, seafood, and cocktails.—
Tim Chester,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
From there Crochet regrouped and minimized the damage, drawing a run-scoring double play and a flyout to keep it a 2-0 game.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But to re-examine them with the benefit of distance — to see what was emphasized, what was minimized, what might have been left unsaid.—
Amisha Padnani,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Huskies seemed determined to keep Bascoe quiet, bringing double teams to the Villanova point guard that left teammates open on the perimeter, and the gamble played off with the Wildcats shooting just 4-for-20 on 3-pointers in the first half.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Villa Giggione is a quiet perch about three miles from Positano, in Maiori, that feels tailor-made for a couples’ getaway.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The subdued testimony came a little more than a month after Ye took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, apologizing for antisemitic remarks.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
-
At the Grist House Beer Crib on Pittsburgh Road in Butler, Thursday nights usually have a more subdued crowd, but not on this particular Thursday.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
After the allegations against his son, the official was dismissed from his post, according to a decision published Wednesday in the state government’s official gazette.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Figures in the main opposition Republican People’s Party, known by its Turkish initials CHP, have dismissed the charges as politically motivated.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the more restrained Lampros is facing criticism from local attorneys and law enforcement who say his group’s tactics violate constitutional rights and jeopardize legitimate investigations.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The restrained green and yellow palette of lady's mantle has a pretty cottage look without adding more color.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the significance of an Iran-Russia intelligence partnership and said that any Russian assistance had not changed the battlefield dynamics, pointing to operations that have significantly degraded Iranian capabilities.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
-
And not only downplayed but dismissed, in some cases, buried.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Don’t be afraid to suggest budget caps for group plans, because everyone relaxes when guidelines are simple and visible.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
