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Showing results for understated.
Definitions

understated

[uhn-der-stey-tid] / ˌʌn dərˈsteɪ tɪd /
ADJECTIVE
classical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
classic elegant
WEAK
harmonious pure refined restrained symmetrical well-proportioned
Antonyms
WEAK
complicated modern unclassical
ADJECTIVE
low-key
Synonyms
STRONGEST
easygoing laid-back muted quiet relaxed restrained sober subtle
WEAK
loose low-pitched muffled played down soft-sell softened toned-down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitated noisy
WEAK
energized high-key high-strung histrionic nervous pumped-up
ADJECTIVE
soft
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bland comfortable cool delicate dull gentle low mellow mild muted pastel quiet smooth soothing subdued sweet
STRONG
diffuse
WEAK
ashen balmy caressing cushy dim dimmed dulcet dusky hazy lenient light low-key mellifluous melodious misty murmured pale pallid pleasing restful shaded sober tinted toned-down twilight wan whispered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitated boisterous excited harsh loud rough strong troubled violent
WEAK
hard severe smart stern strict
ADJECTIVE
subtle
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exquisite faint indirect ingenious profound slight sophisticated
WEAK
attenuate attenuated deep discriminating ethereal fine finespun hairline hairsplitting illusive implied inconspicuous indistinct inferred insinuated mental penetrating refined suggestive tenuous thin
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant stupid
WEAK
forthright hard harsh honest noisy open unsubtle

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.

These understated pragmatists are the heroes of Josh Tyrangiel’s “AI for Good,” a kind of “Profiles in Courage” for the implementation set.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

When a large component such as housing is understated, the resulting inflation number can fail to capture the cost pressures that households such as Parker’s or Spiel’s actually experience.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

In those movies, as an unsuspecting bride thrust into a life-or-death situation, she appealingly balanced a convincing physical performance with an understated comedic streak, her beleaguered character enduring one absurdity after another.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

What it has taken to get to this stage for the Scotland players cannot be understated, but on the pitch everyone was given a reminder of the distance there still is to travel.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

A quiet strength and subterranean power exuded from his body with understated insistence.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary lists containing understated

Finally Heard

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Keeping Pace

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Legendary Frybread Drive-In

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