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
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
Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
Both looks seem to make a subtle and understated reference to the yellow American lotus flower.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Feb. 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
Chunky, enveloping knitwear added to the season’s theme of tactile comfort and understated luxury.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
Both looks seem to make a subtle and understated reference to the yellow American lotus flower.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Feb. 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
-
However, the muted consumer and producer price reports for February might not necessarily be good news for the U.S. Federal Reserve.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Hadid’s makeup included softer elements, like faint brows and a muted lip to accentuate her look.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
14 Mar. 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
-
On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Cowboys were quiet for most of the day and then added a running back.—
Saad Yousuf,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Your views might be climbing, but your inbox stays quiet.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Skewing your green selections toward a more earthy aesthetic will help set a more subdued tone that helps enhance your room’s overall design rather than trying to steal the show.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Last year, Marina traded the glitz and glam of her pop persona for the more subdued reflections of a poet.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
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
-
His restrained direction keeps the brothers in check and underpowered.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2025
-
The statement, written by lawmakers who are typically more restrained in their comments given their sensitive roles on security issues, contained some of the party’s most pointed criticism yet of Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk just hours before the president was to address a joint session of Congress.—
Carl Hulse,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2025
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
-
The report came from the Maine Wire, an online outlet founded by a conservative think tank based in the state.—
Jennifer Smith Richards,
ProPublica,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Well wishes came in comments from friends including model Brooks Nader, country singer Jessie James Decker, conservative commentator Candace Owens, stylist and TV personality Jeannie Mai and designer Nicky Hilton Rothschild.—
Christie D’Zurilla,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share