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
Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Our dandyism is more understated than the traditional notions of how people perceive a dandy to be.
—Essence, 30 Jan. 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
This option is like a blank canvas; wear it solo for an understated look, or layer it under a blazer for a dressier move inspired by Graham.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025
Our dandyism is more understated than the traditional notions of how people perceive a dandy to be.
—Essence, 30 Jan. 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
-
Its muted victory comes as Hollywood prepares to celebrate itself at the Oscars on Sunday, bringing an end to one of the most tumultuous awards seasons in recent memory.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
-
More:Federal judge blocks Trump’s refugee suspension The muted, business-like atmosphere at the Principles First Summit − a gathering of anti-Trump Republicans, right-leaning independents and disgruntled Democrats - in downtown Washington D.C. matched the lack of political fire power.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 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
-
The commissioner’s restrained view of the FTC’s mission was inconsistent with Roosevelt’s policy agenda, which was the reason the president gave for dismissing him.—
Jacob Sullum,
Orange County Register,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Though the Franco-American relationship had cooled by then, Trump and Macron shook hands in a somewhat restrained manner. 2024: The Shake Seen Around The World Last December, Trump, Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris ahead of the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 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
-
To justify this clampdown, Putin has evoked the defense of Russian sovereignty and conservative Christian values against the decadent liberal West.—
Michael McFaul,
The Atlantic,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share