low-key

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlō-ˈkē 

variants or less commonly low-keyed

ˈlō-ˈkēd 

1

: having or producing dark tones only with little contrast

2

: of low intensity : restrained

low-key

2 of 2

adverb

1

informal : in a way or to a degree that is moderate or limited

It didn't take long for all of us to become low-key [=somewhat] obsessed with Lizzo …

—Abi Travis

Everywhere we go, we're low-key [=casually] checking out coffee shops, parks, and window seats for maximum reading coziness.

—Charlotte Ahlin

We asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which products have low-key changed their lives.

—Samantha Wieder

First things first: for what it's worth, I low-key think Jake Gyllenhaal is the best actor of his generation.

—Eric Ital

2

informal : without seeking or receiving much attention or recognition

Nordstrom low-key announced the sale with little fanfare …

—Danielle Gonzalez

The 21-year-old model and 24-year-old musician surprised everyone when they low-key stepped into a New York City courthouse to make it official …

—Jamie Leelo

… is low-key getting some of the best and most underrated lines in these episodes …

—Kase Wickman

She was low-key the best player on that season …

—Leigh Oleszczak

Synonyms

Adjective

• conservative
• muted
• quiet
• repressed
• restrained
• sober
• subdued
• toned-down
• understated
• unflashy
• unpretentious

Examples of low-key in a Sentence

Adjective

hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Kim Kardashian revealed in a recent interview with Vogue that the family is opting for a more intimate, low-key gathering instead of their usual extravagant bash. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Tips for a Successful No-Fuss Birthday Party A low-key birthday party should be simple, relaxed, and focused on quality time with friends. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024

Adverb

According to the interview, Emma is still keeping things low-key in her personal life. —Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 29 Mar. 2023

For a low-key version, buy your own karaoke machine for home. —Cameron Jenkins, Good Housekeeping, 29 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

2010, in the meaning defined at sense 1