variants
also low-keyed
as in quiet
not excessively showy
hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 low-key
The couple’s low-key date night in Paris was the calm before the high fashion storm on Tuesday.
—
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Open since 1904, the low-key haunt in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, is the oldest Sicilian restaurant in the city.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
Jinpachi is a low-key looking sushi bar that serves one of the best omakase meals in Los Angeles.
—Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
The overall feel is calm, self-contained, and deliberately low-key—an easy place to settle into the slower rhythm of Tulum.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026
Open since 1904, the low-key haunt in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, is the oldest Sicilian restaurant in the city.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2026
Jinpachi is a low-key looking sushi bar that serves one of the best omakase meals in Los Angeles.
—Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
The overall feel is calm, self-contained, and deliberately low-key—an easy place to settle into the slower rhythm of Tulum.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
Below are five actions that may seem quiet but can significantly increase your chances of promotion in the first quarter, along with how to put them into practice.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The cold, quiet pattern continues Tuesday in Minnesota.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While the would-be leaders of France and Germany issued sharp rebukes to Trump, the opposition in central and eastern Europe was more muted.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Henson’s makeup and hair complemented the theatricality of her attire, with her hair tossed in a high bun and the actress’ makeup featuring dramatic eyes and a muted lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In the before photos, Turner smiled widely with ease, but afterward, her smile seemed more subdued.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Their courtship was tender, quiet, subdued—and hardly full of the passion and yearning that Bridgerton has become known for.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
Rooms are furnished comfortably in the expected Southwestern decor, but avoid overdoing it thanks to restrained, contemporary hands.—
Asonta Benetti,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
That restrained use of color and geometry feels emblematic of Milan, a city that prizes substance over flash.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
AFAR Media,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This falls short of the double-digit growth being reported by Meta and Microsoft, but IBM is opting for a conservative approach.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
When Yoon was in office, Kim was embroiled in a series of scandals that severely hurt the conservative leader's approval rating and provided relentless political ammunition to his rivals.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At Naïve Kitchen + Bar, Latin flavors meet Kentucky sensibility in a menu that’s vibrant, ingredient-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Zash Boutique Hotel and Spa, Etna The easygoing, unpretentious spirit of this Etna hotel belies its gold-standard gastro form.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
