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
This year, however, the parade promises to be a more low-key affair.
—
Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Belvedere’s reputation—old money, low-key wealth, a yacht harbor shimmering below—was baked in more than a century ago.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
There were plenty of sweet, low-key couple moments in the post, too, including a shot of Parrish with her dog on her lap at the dinner table and one of her in a sauna.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The service The service leans toward the more low-key end of the scale, with staff who are friendly and ready to offer suggestions and make reservations.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Belvedere’s reputation—old money, low-key wealth, a yacht harbor shimmering below—was baked in more than a century ago.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
There were plenty of sweet, low-key couple moments in the post, too, including a shot of Parrish with her dog on her lap at the dinner table and one of her in a sauna.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
The service The service leans toward the more low-key end of the scale, with staff who are friendly and ready to offer suggestions and make reservations.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
As a national icon, the Natural Bridge served as a quiet, Emersonian rebuke to Europe’s militaristic triumphal arches, reinforcing the naturalness of American democracy.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
This peaceful hotel feels like a library—warm, bookish, and sanctuary-like—though most guests congregate in quiet nooks between the hibiscus flowers, grapefruit trees, and pines that predate the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Its pretty plaid is in muted tones on good-quality, abrasion-resistant material, with a minimalist shape that anchors a room.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In their own muted ways, her colleagues agreed.—
Mark Dee
April 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For a more subdued columbine, look to the ‘pink lantern’ varietal.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
26 Apr. 2026
-
So far, with real estate prices under pressure [in China], confidence in Chinese market remains subdued.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Melissa Harmonic Petal Jelly Flip Flops feature bold floral decals that embrace the season’s blooms and add an understated standout to your footwear.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
-
Most notably, the character never changes her makeup look, no matter the occasion—from the office to galas, her understated look remains consistent.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Santa Fe burrito is a genuine pleasure—more restrained, built on a smaller scale, with green chile doing the complex, vegetal, low-burning work that other versions might leave to salsa—though, again, the tortilla serves its contents, rather than the hosannas going the other way.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
Plus, the more restrained growth of today still comes on top of a much larger business, the Zenith CEO pointed out.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Following a conservative first half when LAFC got nothing going offensively but didn’t give up much on the other end either, the Black & Gold carried a front-foot approach out of the locker room after the break.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Released regionally by Angel Studios, widely known for conservative and Christian content, the movie’s last moment is framed as partisan generosity.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Shorthand for authentic and unpretentious.—
Jimmy Jellinek,
SPIN,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Come for the seafood and stay for the weekend live music and waterfront views that draw a loyal, unpretentious crowd.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
