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.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of understated
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Nine West Barile Heeled Boots Available in medium- and wide-calf options, this pair of riding boots has an understated silhouette that’s great for the minimalist.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
With the Dolphins in search of a new identity under Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, the importance of the trenches cannot be understated.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Featuring a flattering high-rise waist and an understated bootcut, these affordable and stylish jeans are a real hit with shoppers, too.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Nine West Barile Heeled Boots Available in medium- and wide-calf options, this pair of riding boots has an understated silhouette that’s great for the minimalist.
—Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
And yet, the power of this kind of documentation—the kind that’s being performed by observers in Minnesota every day, who are risking their lives to film clashes between agents and protestors—that cannot be understated.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026
With the Dolphins in search of a new identity under Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, the importance of the trenches cannot be understated.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
-
After years of muted activity at the midseason, executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas kickstarted a flurry of activity Tuesday — first cementing a three-team trade to acquire Jaden Ivey from Detroit, then offloading Nikola Vučević to the Boston Celtics.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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Recreate the look in a similar muted color scheme, like allover cloudy white, or play around with vivid color combinations like Miami teal and head-to-toe pinks.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The report warned that neglect is often minimized within the child welfare system, where it can be conflated with poverty and social workers may be reluctant to penalize poor or minority parents who are juggling multiple jobs.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Foliage disease can be minimized by ensuring good air circulation within the crown through proper plant spacing.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Frontcourt production would rely on the Brazile-Richmond-Pringle trio again, should Ewin have a second quiet performance in a row.—
Matt Byrne,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
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Meghan Markle forwent her usual quiet luxury style for Old Hollywood glamour in a custom Harbison Studio dress at the annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala Honoring Tina Knowles on Saturday night in Los Angeles.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While the unit has benefited from a shift to digital game purchases and growth in the PlayStation Plus subscription service in recent quarters, hardware shipment growth has remained more subdued.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, after its deepest dip last spring, brand loyalty for Tesla has started to inch back up, possibly boosted by aggressive incentives and Musk’s more subdued persona, says S&P’s Libby.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both Beijing and Hong Kong’s government have repeatedly rejected international criticism of Lai’s prosecution and dismissed accusations that his jailing was politically motivated or an assault on press freedom.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Karklin believes recreational flying and short-distance travel should not be dismissed.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
On the street, the Mazda3 hatchback carries itself with a restrained yet purposeful elegance.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Arnold’s Heathcliff is much more fully developed as a character, in part due to the more restrained performances and Arnold’s highly sensory style.—
Cazzie David,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jamie Squire / Getty Images Seattle linebacker Patrick O’Connell, a Montana native, also downplayed the significance of a Super Bowl rematch with New England.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Yet, on Sunday, a Justice Department official downplayed the likelihood of any additional criminal charges.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Feltner’s routine was pretty simple.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Crime 101 takes the same view of quid pro quo as the most basic form of American commerce and makes simple but brutal points about value and self-worth, where your car, its year, make and model, matters more than your resumé.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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