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

Available in eight soft or neutral colors and two striped options, there’s something for almost every low-key color preference. —Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024

There’s never been a better time to stock up on Birkenstock sandals and clogs: More than 100 styles are majorly marked down during this low-key sale. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 28 Oct. 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