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
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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
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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
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This improvement to sound also makes the restrained snarl of Naked Snake’s voice have an even better bite.—
Ashley Bardhan,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2025
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Angel Garcia / Bloomberg via Getty Images Though Trudeau has already announced retaliatory Canadian tariffs on a variety of American goods, China has been more restrained.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC News,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The consensus is that warm tones, rich shades, and natural materials will reign in 2025, replacing cool hues and muted color selections.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2025
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On the red carpet, music industry stars and other celebrities posed in front of a muted black backdrop featuring a call to donate to relief efforts.—
The Styles Desk,
New York Times,
3 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
-
Gamers will love its dual HDMI 2.1 inputs for a variable refresh rate (VRR) of up to 144 Hz, while the Google TV interface makes setup and streaming simple and swift.—
Ryan Waniata,
WIRED,
5 Feb. 2025
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For a more subtle look, weave the lights around strands of greenery to create a stunning, and simple, centerpiece.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Elon Musk is now a father of 13 after allegedly welcoming his latest child with conservative author Ashley St. Clair.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
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The Cubs’ next moves are expected to be very modest, league sources said, and that conservative outlook includes Tucker, Bregman’s longtime teammate with the Houston Astros.—
Patrick Mooney,
The Athletic,
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 19 Feb. 2025.
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