understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly
adverb
Examples of understated in a Sentence
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
Ball, known for her unparalleled comedic timing, brings her signature wit and warmth to Helen, while Fonda plays Frank with a gentle humor and understated charm, all in service of promoting the film’s post-war optimism about blending families and building new lives.
—
Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
The picture is sultry and understated, almost like a Sade song in movie form, though in some ways that’s a liability.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Its design is slightly more understated, with a plain rubber case and a grooved back.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
Funnily enough, Baker, a lovely, understated, genuinely humble guy, seemed to know the score before any of the rest of us did.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
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Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
The picture is sultry and understated, almost like a Sade song in movie form, though in some ways that’s a liability.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Its design is slightly more understated, with a plain rubber case and a grooved back.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
Funnily enough, Baker, a lovely, understated, genuinely humble guy, seemed to know the score before any of the rest of us did.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd
: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion
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