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
Foster and Jackman were previously photographed spending a low-key dinner date night out in Santa Monica, Calif., on Jan. 6.
—
Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Even Saanen’s most renowned, high-end establishments remain low-key and devoid of pretension, like 16 ART-BAR-RESTAURANT, credited by Michelin as Bib Gourmand for an experience and culinary offering that is both high quality and good value.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Though the home is right smack dab in the middle of the charismatic Roma Sur neighborhood, the more low-key and easygoing counterpart to Roma Norte is a few minutes north.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
Those wanting peace and quiet in hotels might opt for staying in low-key areas like Puerto de la Cruz or Adeje, both an hour’s drive from the capital.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for low-key 
Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Even Saanen’s most renowned, high-end establishments remain low-key and devoid of pretension, like 16 ART-BAR-RESTAURANT, credited by Michelin as Bib Gourmand for an experience and culinary offering that is both high quality and good value.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Though the home is right smack dab in the middle of the charismatic Roma Sur neighborhood, the more low-key and easygoing counterpart to Roma Norte is a few minutes north.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
Those wanting peace and quiet in hotels might opt for staying in low-key areas like Puerto de la Cruz or Adeje, both an hour’s drive from the capital.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
The tune opens at No. 30, in last place, on Billboard’s ranking of the tracks that reach the largest audience at radio stations that play the more subdued, mature-leaning style of pop, known as Adult Contemporary.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 indicating small gains—the S & P 500 previously slipped 0.2 percent on Thursday, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses and capping a strong 2024 on a subdued note.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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,
Essence,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
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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Written by Jon Randall and Matt Nolen, this song features gentle guitar and restrained percussion lifting its message, contemplating the possibility of an afterlife filled with horses, musing that thunder is a band of angels riding on horses across the skies.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
The Night Agent is a no-frills, unpretentious spy thriller that should please anyone who enjoys the genre.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
On the unpretentious side were those for Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Read: The constitutional crisis is here But if the agency is restored—next week, next month, or years from now—restarting its work won’t be as simple as turning the flow of cash back on.—
Hana Kiros,
The Atlantic,
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
-
Going back about six weeks, Manchester City were planning for a quiet January in terms of transfers.—
Sam Lee,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
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Hauled by maroon Double Fairlie locomotives, this route twists and spirals up through craggy mountainsides and quiet woodlands before finishing at the old slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where the views are splendid.—
James March,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The backlash against these policies has been especially pronounced among veterans, whose families have historically provided the largest share of recruits—and who tend to be more politically conservative.—
Dexter Filkins,
The New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2025
-
The game plan had to change to something more conservative, more repeatable, more robust.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
The Athletic,
3 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 9 Feb. 2025.
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