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
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2026
Her glam followed the same understated approach, with her signature raven hair worn long, straight, and center-parted.
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Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Caitlin Gunther,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 June 2026
While its exterior is understated, the G90 provides a comfortable ride and surprisingly nimble handling for its size.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Adjective
Home renovation phenoms Julia and Chris Marcum teamed up with rug brand Loloi on a collection that features understated and muted designs like this one.
—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2026
Her glam followed the same understated approach, with her signature raven hair worn long, straight, and center-parted.
—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Verb
For a low-key, B&B-style stay, Le Secret has five bright guest rooms—understated with a mix of vintage decor—overlooking a lush garden with a sleek swimming pool, olive trees, Japanese maples, and figs.
—
Caitlin Gunther,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 June 2026
While its exterior is understated, the G90 provides a comfortable ride and surprisingly nimble handling for its size.
—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understated
Adjective
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Even though Clinton’s remarks Saturday received muted response on cable news due to the heatwave and Trump’s excesses, online the former President deftly tapped into the shifts among Democrats for a more combative approach to curb MAGA.
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Her bronzed makeup look consisted of taupe eyeshadow, black eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a muted matte lip.
Verb
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These behaviors are often minimized as personality quirks or generational differences.
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Highlight details are more vivid and color bleeding is minimized.
Adjective
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What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
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Rather than succumb to the misery of its subject matter, Union County is about the quiet, tedious, and remarkable work that is getting and staying sober — the final product a testament to all that can be achieved.
Verb
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Interviewed following his win on ESPN, the 42-year-old Chestnut dismissed, more or less, the impact of today’s 92 degree New York heat on the proceedings.
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The nonprofit, which alleged the county violated the Surplus Lands Act by not first exploring affordable-housing development at the site, still has not dismissed its lawsuit.
Adjective
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Color isn't absent from naturalistic gardens, but the palette tends to be tighter and more subdued.
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All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.
Verb
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Streamers including Netflix have downplayed their interest in taking on solo ownership of the Emmys and the fact hat none of these companies has snapped up the rights so far is telling.
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Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, downplayed Thursday's report, pointing to a positive trend for the labor market in previous months.
Adjective
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Since joining the winery, Melton has brought a restrained, classical sensibility to wines known for an ability to age.
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The world press was less restrained; the Post, the Daily Mail, the Hindustan Times, and many others ran screaming headlines, accompanied by photographs of the climbers purloined from social media.
Adjective
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As for the volunteers, the goal is simple—help someone stay safe before the heat turns into an emergency.
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Evidence for at-home tools is thinner than for professional manual drainage, but the simplest options can offer mild circulation and surface-lymph support at a low price.
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understated. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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