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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of understated
Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
CeCe Floral Mock-neck Sweater This sweater strikes the ideal balance between feminine and understated.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024
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
Bridgehampton offers a more understated and authentic take on luxury, anchored by its equestrian heritage.
—Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
CeCe Floral Mock-neck Sweater This sweater strikes the ideal balance between feminine and understated.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024
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
-
Since Election Day, there has been a muted—but nearly universal—grumbling about Biden’s choices, mostly since the 2022 midterms that saw Democrats fare better than expected, building up the party’s hope in holding on to the White House in 2024.Philip Elliott, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Contemporary yet refined, this hotel offers 104 rooms, each with a muted palette of blues, tans, and oranges, and plenty of communal spaces to get a taste of the city’s vibrant culture.Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The work reverberates with quiet yet powerful symbolism paying tribute to Gonzalez’s deep roots in San Antonio and her significant contributions to the community.Chadd Scott, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
-
Finns are quiet and reserved compared to, well, Americans.Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Wall Street is rallying Friday after a subdued start to 2025 in the prior session.Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
-
Less than two weeks after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, an Army-Navy football game played in front of a crowd of 102,000 spectators at Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium on December 7, 1963, might have been a subdued and somber affair.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
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
-
This lawless case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But Judge Declines to Impose Punishment General News How the L.A. Wildfires Are Becoming a Conspiracy-Theorists' Haven -- and a Political Weapon Locals long have prized Palm Beach for its restrained serenity.Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2025
-
On the other hand, every action, inaction and reaction remains uncannily familiar, making Chowdhury’s restrained approach feel like the right one.Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
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
-
The cover song itself — recorded by Kardashian and produced by Barker — is severely downplayed.EW.com, EW.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Whatever cranky conservative quip Allen fires off is sanded down by the balance Dennings brings to the breakfast table.Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
-
On Wednesday afternoon, ABC News first reported that Trump spoke with conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito one day before the president-elect asked the court for the immediate stay.Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share