variants
also low-keyed
as in subdued
not excessively showy
hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of low-key
Most of these activewear looks can go straight from the Pilates studio to brunch with friends, weekend errands, or even a low-key date depending on your plans.
—
Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite this low-key upgrade, the iPad Air remains the best choice for students and creators who need a powerful tablet at a decent price, which is enough to earn the iPad Air our Editors' Choice award.
—PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025
She’s been calm ever since and finds a low-key demeanor suits her well, even in a sport that thrives on emotion.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Fur-Real Justin Bieber keeps it low-key on a night out in Los Angeles with his wife Hailey on March 26.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2025
Despite this low-key upgrade, the iPad Air remains the best choice for students and creators who need a powerful tablet at a decent price, which is enough to earn the iPad Air our Editors' Choice award.
—PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2025
She’s been calm ever since and finds a low-key demeanor suits her well, even in a sport that thrives on emotion.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Fur-Real Justin Bieber keeps it low-key on a night out in Los Angeles with his wife Hailey on March 26.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
Adjective
-
Fans who attended Monday’s contest noticed a subdued scene.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
-
The Assad regime, decades in power and long propped up by Russian jets and Iranian proxies, appears to have collapsed not with the thunder of artillery but with a subdued whisper.—
Guney Yildiz,
Forbes,
8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
Clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and restrained details result in impactful simplicity, which is exactly what a minimalist bride aspires for.—
Sarah Zendejas,
Vogue,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Frank and vulnerable, her restrained vocal performance is the perfect pairing for Sundae Beats’ lush, ethereal soundscape.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The 94 rooms and suites have been reimagined with muted colors inspired by the soft hues of the property’s garden and the building’s historic architecture.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
-
The classic design and muted colors complement a variety of interior design styles.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Boca Baco, Granada Steps from historic Granada's cathedral, Boca Baco fills a breezy, beautiful patio space with local art and draping greenery for an unpretentious spot to enjoy one of the best meals in town.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The Naked Grape Chardonnay, California $5 Naked Grape offers straightforward, unpretentious wines.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That simplicity feels so apt for this show, There's enough here: The production is simple and sweet, while Jonas and Warren exude a certain magnetism.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Kit kept things simple with a traditional dark blue suit, pairing the look with a white shirt and polkadot bowtie and his usual glasses.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
On the final whistle, there was deep quiet inside the Metropolitano.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The Pentagon has not held a press briefing in weeks, and the Defense Department has been quiet about the ongoing strikes.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Who Is Laura Loomer? Loomer, a conservative activist originally from Arizona, first shot to public attention in June 2017.—
Lee Habeeb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Another thought: In Trump’s first term, retaliation for tariffs generally was aimed at more conservative states, as countries tried to make Trump-friendly areas pay a political price.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share