understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly
adverb
Synonyms of understated
Examples of understated in a Sentence
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
There is nothing understated or minimal about me so a subtle ring was never in the cards.
—
Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Ho Jin walks in at that moment, and there’s a whole tearful reunion, if understated and wordless.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The event was held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Wednesday in Los Angeles, and the daughter of Reese Witherspoon arrived in an understated all-black ensemble, down to her shoes.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Paired together, Abdul-Mateen and Kingsley are a dynamic duo, if far sadder and more understated than say, Iron Man and Captain America.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
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Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Ho Jin walks in at that moment, and there’s a whole tearful reunion, if understated and wordless.
—Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The event was held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Wednesday in Los Angeles, and the daughter of Reese Witherspoon arrived in an understated all-black ensemble, down to her shoes.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
Paired together, Abdul-Mateen and Kingsley are a dynamic duo, if far sadder and more understated than say, Iron Man and Captain America.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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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