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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understated
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
In Andrews’s adaptation and staging, Ranevskaya (Nina Hoss, all melancholy grace and understated charisma) feels more like a part of a true ensemble.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Rather than a super stark white (which may seem unnaturally light on your waterline), the creamy shade is more understated, giving the appearance of large doe eyes.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
In Andrews’s adaptation and staging, Ranevskaya (Nina Hoss, all melancholy grace and understated charisma) feels more like a part of a true ensemble.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
The importance of these two victories cannot be understated.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
The resort's 89 suites are understated yet elegant.
—Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
The wooden floors feature graphic patterns, while bold wallpaper sets the tone in the kitchen, and the bedroom is outfitted in calming, muted tones.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Currently, staff are allowed to wear pants that are gray, brown, or navy, and tops that are white, or have subdued patterns or muted colors.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
So any advantage a driver or team has today will likely be minimized and copied in short order.—
Jeff Gluck,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Given these circumstances, the stakes that come with winning games down the stretch have, in some ways, been minimized.—
Nick Crain,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As season three continues, the quiet part is said out loud.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
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In the rich and frequently chaotic history of Marseille, there can have been fewer more apt demonstrations of the club’s inherent tendency towards turbulence than the decision to head to Rome for some peace and quiet in the same week as the death of the Pope.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Southbound Connect accounted for 49% of today’s Hong Kong turnover, indicating Mainland investors' reaction to the Trump comments was far less subdued and highlighting the real issue in China, which is real estate.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Fans who attended Monday’s contest noticed a subdued scene.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In their petition, Read's lawyers said the judge did not give counsel for either side the opportunity to speak and dismissed the jury without asking them if they were locked on all charges or any charges individually.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Rodgers dismissed three of Rashada’s other counts Tuesday, almost four months after a hearing.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Simmons' initial reaction to the insult was a bit more restrained than his typical unfiltered comments.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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This year, the prestigious but far more restrained perpetual calendar was the complication of choice.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, Mariners executive vice president/general manager Justin Hollander appeared optimistic about Robles' recovery and downplayed surgery concerns.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Prior to that piece, Kennedy had downplayed the growing number of cases and made several false and misleading claims about the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.—
Jordan Freiman,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Within days, a conservative legal group echoed Carr’s words in a petition asking the FCC, which governs broadcast licenses, to investigate whether coverage of Abrego Garcia on NBC, ABC and CBS distorted facts.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Guidance from Dover , also out Thursday, was prudently conservative , and the market rewarded the stock.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere,
CNBC,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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