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Definitions

subdued

[suhb-dood, -dyood] / səbˈdud, -ˈdyud /
ADJECTIVE
quiet, controlled
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hushed low-key mellow muted restrained sober solemn unobtrusive
STRONG
chastened dejected dim domesticated grave moderated repressed shaded softened tempered
WEAK
crestfallen domestic down in the mouth downcast inobtrusive neutral out of spirits repentant sad serious soft submissive subtle tasteful toned-down
Antonyms
STRONG
cheerful happy
WEAK
aroused boisterous communicative excited roused talkative uncontrolled

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Human rights lawyer Bhavani Fonseka said protests have been subdued because people are preoccupied with the day-to-day challenge of securing supplies.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Bitcoin rose 3% to $68,721, and Ethereum gained 4.2%, yet these moves were more subdued than the stock market rally.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Strong sales during Black Friday week at the end of November led to subdued demand in December, while the timing of Lunar New Year also dented demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The men's national team have previously stuck to the more subdued navy blue shirt and white shorts during previous World Cup campaigns.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

He was quiet, subdued, reduced—a banished man living off his wits in a foreign land.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.