low-key

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlō-ˈkē

variants or less commonly low-keyed

ˈlō-ˈkēd

Synonyms of low-key next

: having or producing dark tones only with little contrast

: of low intensity : restrained

low-key

2 of 2

adverb

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

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

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

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.

Adjective

And despite security’s efforts to keep the couples’ dinner outing low-key, the high-profile foursome did draw a crowd later in the evening, sources say. —

Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Feb. 2025 But while Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attempted to keep things low-key in an LBD and gray track suit, Brittany Mahomes made her presence known in head-to-toe Chiefs red, pairing a vibrant trench coat with matching red boots and statement purse. —

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2025

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 See all Example Sentences for low-key