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.

The Chinese liquor giant’s results were below market expectations, hurt by subdued consumption and a cooling economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Domestic market demand stays relatively subdued, primarily affected by policy transition adjustments, front-loaded demand release last year and a high comparison base, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

A subdued economy leads to a subdued, restless, perhaps cantankerous electorate.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Efficiency gains had offset population growth and industrial demand stayed subdued.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Sitting in the front seat, between Dodo and my mother, I felt dumb and subdued.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

Vocabulary lists containing subdued

"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

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Monster

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