understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 
: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment
understated elegance
understatedly
adverb
Examples of understated in a Sentence
the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling
Recent Examples on the Web
In Andrews’s adaptation and staging, Ranevskaya (Nina Hoss, all melancholy grace and understated charisma) feels more like a part of a true ensemble.
—
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Thirty-two years later, the scene remains an understated classic, proof that gun battles needn’t be the overly dramatic shoot-em-ups that populate so many popcorn Westerns — Tombstone included.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Brimming with blissfully bare beaches and rolling green hillsides that hide quaint cottages and understated villas, Bequia embodies relaxation.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025
Omorovicza The Scalp Reviver Omorovicza is the understated gem of the luxury skincare space.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Thirty-two years later, the scene remains an understated classic, proof that gun battles needn’t be the overly dramatic shoot-em-ups that populate so many popcorn Westerns — Tombstone included.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Brimming with blissfully bare beaches and rolling green hillsides that hide quaint cottages and understated villas, Bequia embodies relaxation.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025
Omorovicza The Scalp Reviver Omorovicza is the understated gem of the luxury skincare space.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understated
Cite this Entry
“Understated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understated. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understated
adjective
un·der·stat·ed
ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd
: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share