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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understated
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 12 May 2026
There, an understated reception area — walls lined by photos that tell the story of the stadium — will serve as the entryway to a massive indoor space with a 360-degree bar that mimics the oval of the Rose Bowl itself.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In 2026, these pants can feel relaxed and understated, as seen at Auralee, or completely over-the-top, sexy, and chaotic, per Dolce & Gabbana.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
The fiery Iberian vs the understated Scandinavian.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 12 May 2026
There, an understated reception area — walls lined by photos that tell the story of the stadium — will serve as the entryway to a massive indoor space with a 360-degree bar that mimics the oval of the Rose Bowl itself.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
Perhaps a bit understated, compared to the team’s alpha, Atkinson.
—Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In 2026, these pants can feel relaxed and understated, as seen at Auralee, or completely over-the-top, sexy, and chaotic, per Dolce & Gabbana.
—Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
That goes for much here, from the light that scurries away from Benjamín Echazarreta’s muted camera, to the moments of sweetness that punctuate Mariá Portugal’s largely ominous score.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
Moreover, the brand’s growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa was impacted by muted consumer sentiment in Europe due to both higher energy costs and inflation and because the conflict impacted the brand’s ability to ship into the Middle East.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
What many patients encounter instead is medical dismissal—a pattern of having symptoms minimized, deprioritized or inadequately investigated.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
12 May 2026
-
Senior global brand ambassador Ewan Morgan credited this to the oak used to make the the barrel in which the whisky was aged having a very tight grain which minimized the angel’s share, something that no one expected back when the whiskey was distilled.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Yankees, who have scored eight runs over their losing streak, were otherwise quiet against Brandon Young and Baltimore’s bullpen, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranding five runners.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
-
Treatment rooms are tucked into a quiet section of the hotel, and the menu covers the usual range—massages, facials, and body treatments aimed largely at travelers recovering from long flights or long days of sightseeing.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The mood music at City, meanwhile, is noticeably more subdued, although Jeremy Doku’s last-gasp curling equaliser on Merseyside did keep their hopes alive.—
Ayo Akinwolere,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
In the 2010s, Streisand’s style often went the more subdued route, but stayed elegant as ever.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
And that’s partly why Weltman dismissed coach Jamahl Mosley the day after the Magic were eliminated and also discussed Orlando’s roster needs — which, in his eyes, include more shooting and veteran help.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
-
Adams dismissed this notion out of hand, with no small amount of hostility.—
New York Daily News,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Puerto Rican rum production emphasizes column distillation and filtration, yielding a cleaner, lighter, and more restrained profile than many heavier Caribbean styles.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
It was described by critics as psychologically uneasy and emotionally claustrophobic, with Keough serving as the restrained emotional center of the film.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Many community leaders and local officials downplayed the impact of SB 79 on San Diego when it was approved last October because the city had already done significant upzoning near many of its trolley stops, especially in University City and Mission Valley.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
The AfD has become more radical since then, and some of its prominent members have openly used Nazi language and downplayed the Holocaust.—
Nick Tabor,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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