understated 1 of 2

adjective

ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd How to pronounce understated (audio)
Definition of understatednext
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

understated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of understate
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
Adjective
Pair them with clean lines and more understated materials so the blocks become an architectural accent. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 Both kept to their characteristically understated style, mirroring each other in elevated basics. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
The design is clean and understated, but the metallic finishes around the neck give it just enough polish than your everyday bottle. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 The interiors are elegant yet understated, reflecting the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
  1. muted
  2. minimized
  3. quiet
  4. dismissed
  5. subdued
  6. downplayed
  7. restrained
  8. simple
Adjective
  • Britton has straight blond hair, blue eyes, and a muted affect.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Cramer said that stronger outlook, combined with the stock’s muted reaction, has made Five Below cheaper.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of muted
Verb
  • In this location, the telescope will rarely be blocked by Earth and infrared heat from the Earth, sun and moon is minimized.
    — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • States alleged that Meta’s internal research documented links between Instagram use and harms including depression, anxiety and body-image concerns among young people, while the company publicly minimized or concealed those risks.
    — Carolina Rossini, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimized
Adjective
  • Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of quiet
Verb
  • Challenges to Essayli’s position were brought in several criminal cases, with defense lawyers arguing that charges filed under his watch are invalid and should be dismissed.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • One of them, dismissed Sooners quarterback Chris Robison, was the MVP of the 2019 Conference USA championship, Kiffin’s second league title in three seasons.
    — Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismissed
Adjective
  • On the other hand, this education leads some to overdress—that hyper-graphic maxi dress paired with a neon pink beret is going to clash with the more subdued, elegant looks that stylish Parisians tend to sport.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Storms can still find windows of opportunity to form and become a threat, even in an overall subdued season.
    — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued
Verb
  • The filing suggested replacing it with an outdoor amphitheater, though administration officials have downplayed the idea as a present plan.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Reflecting on her own legacy, Steinem typically downplayed her legendary status.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of downplayed
Adjective
  • Capacity growth, meanwhile, has remained relatively restrained.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With its warm minimal interiors and crisp, colorful furnishings, The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth reflects the city's more restrained side.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waistbands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This converts touch from a simple collision-detection mechanism into an active source of information for aerial navigation, positioning, and grasp control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of simple

Browse Nearby Words

understate
understated
understatement
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Cite this Entry

“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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