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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Our dandyism is more understated than the traditional notions of how people perceive a dandy to be.
—Essence, 30 Jan. 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
This option is like a blank canvas; wear it solo for an understated look, or layer it under a blazer for a dressier move inspired by Graham.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Our dandyism is more understated than the traditional notions of how people perceive a dandy to be.
—Essence, 30 Jan. 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
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Available in both a cheerful yellow daffodil and a muted pastel lavender, this handbag can add a vibrant statement to your outfit or a subtle pop of color.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Lenna Denim Sand Area Rug Vintage lovers should consider this smaller rug, with a retro-looking framed pattern featuring muted tans, deep blues, and burgundy accents.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When a newer female professional receives guidance from an accomplished woman in that industry, obstacles can be minimized and doors can begin to open.—
Leen Kawas,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Intensive predator control programs have minimized the impact of invasive species, and the establishment of predator-free sanctuaries provides safe environments for breeding and raising chicks.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Amidst a sea of partygoers in wild outfits galore, Zoë Kravitz reminded us that sometimes breaking the rules can be a quiet act.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
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Oh, and there’s no prize, except the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Chelsea have been through so much change over the last three years that a more subdued window may not be such a bad thing.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
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Apple continues to generate chatter for its landmark 1984 commercial that shows an athlete hurling a sledgehammer at propaganda video, waking citizens from a subdued state.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Just one day earlier, Kohli had been dismissed yet again by Boland after fending outside the off-stump and caught behind the wicket.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
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This lawless case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Zhang films the turbulent yet nuanced action in dry, restrained tableaux of an elusive lyricism, a poetry that, to match Beibei’s relentless pursuits, remains just out of reach.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
29 Jan. 2025
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Some folks might overstate the likely influence of those who call for a more restrained U.S. approach to the world within a second Trump administration, the scholars wrote in the opinion piece.—
Cory Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Sara Kelly, Starbucks’ executive vice president and chief partner officer, downplayed the impact of the strikes in a public letter to employees late Monday.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
24 Dec. 2024
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The cover song itself — recorded by Kardashian and produced by Barker — is severely downplayed.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Elon Musk is now a father of 13 after allegedly welcoming his latest child with conservative author Ashley St. Clair.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
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The Cubs’ next moves are expected to be very modest, league sources said, and that conservative outlook includes Tucker, Bregman’s longtime teammate with the Houston Astros.—
Patrick Mooney,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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