variants
also low-keyed
as in subdued
not excessively showy
hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of low-key
With his low-key personality, Coetzee has needed a little prodding along the way, according to Andrean coach Aaron Austin.
—
Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
In his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, Manning showed his trademark low-key humor about his candidacy.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Keep your conversations low-key and voices dialed down a few notches.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
The compound includes a funky, low-key trio of structures sprinkled across a plateau at the top of a remarkably steep driveway.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for low-key 
Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
In his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, Manning showed his trademark low-key humor about his candidacy.
—Jill Martin, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
Keep your conversations low-key and voices dialed down a few notches.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
The compound includes a funky, low-key trio of structures sprinkled across a plateau at the top of a remarkably steep driveway.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Both looks seem to make a subtle and understated reference to the yellow American lotus flower.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
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Goggins is playing at the most understated end of his range, as Rick is for the most part emotionally closed off and tight-lipped.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
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As noted above, the cheeseburger represents the kind of simple, unpretentious cuisine for which many Americans are nostalgic.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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This doesn't include all of Charlotte's unpretentious establishments — just some of the greatest.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Yellow is the simplest, and purple is the most difficult.—
New York Times Games,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
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Its simple style can be dressed up with your best evening wear or paired with casual outfits to be your next wardrobe staple.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
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
-
Tesla Owners Are Getting Creative Musk's public persona has transformed from eccentric billionaire genius to an internet provocateur with a penchant for aligning himself with conservative figures.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Together, Vance's actions amounted to an astonishing intervention in European politics that was swiftly condemned by top officials, including Germany's conservative leader and likely next chancellor.—
Zachary Basu,
Axios,
15 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near low-key
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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