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.
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
Stylistically, these are bold choices, even if the film can feel too understated and glancing for its own good.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2025
Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2025
The moment is understated and wholly romantic — a meeting, if not a harmony, of hearts and minds.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
The new versions are chicer and more understated while still packing a style punch— especially the way designers are wielding them to outline and amplify architectural details like baseboards and trim.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
Stylistically, these are bold choices, even if the film can feel too understated and glancing for its own good.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
The renovation prioritized understated, high-quality materials like wood, wool, stone, and ceramics.
—Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2025
The moment is understated and wholly romantic — a meeting, if not a harmony, of hearts and minds.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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That’s not the kind of hold that the mid-budget neo noir was depending on after a muted opening.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
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The dresses, in muted shades ranging from pale pink to pearl gray, cream and black, contrast layers of vaporous tulle and organza with long ruffled skirts and collared capes in satin or taffeta edged with lace.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Responses that joked about and minimized the posters’ experiences, or were unsupportive in other ways, were comparatively rare.—
Laura Schwab Reese,
The Conversation,
2 Sep. 2025
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The damage to Caden’s body was minimized by his older brother quickly pulling off his shirt and instructing him to stop, drop and roll to put out the fire.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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On highways and surface roads in the rural countryside west of Detroit, the 2025 Ford Explorer was smooth and quiet, with plenty of power for highway acceleration.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The peak of hurricane season is here, and activity could soon ramp up, despite the relative quiet currently occurring in the tropics, according to meteorologists.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The visual design of the new BMW iX3 harks back to the original Neue Klasse at the front, with a more subdued grille than recent models.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Prior to that, the castle had a more classical look, with creams and grays and blue accents that were more subdued than the current shades in use.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Spurs have, for now, dismissed takeover talk.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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His previous criminal history includes two violations of an abuse prevention order and a charge of destruction of property, all of which have been dismissed.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Classical minimalism, meant to evoke modest virtue and restrained power, is a good style for a democratic state.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
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The sizable rooms offer a restrained elegance, with white marble bathrooms, mid-century modern furniture, and black-and-white photos of striking architecture on the walls.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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McCarthy downplayed the emotion of returning to face his hometown team.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Fahey relished the opportunity to play against Lyons and downplayed any sort of rivalry between the two top quarterbacks.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While some among Democrats cast him as the party’s national leader and a natural choice for their 2028 nominee, conservative critics point to his past controversies, including other pay-for-play stories.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
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After working as a speechwriter in former President Ronald Reagan's administration, Ingraham pursued a law degree and became a conservative media darling.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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