understated

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstā-təd 

: avoiding obvious emphasis or embellishment

understated elegance

understatedly adverb

understated

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of understate

Synonyms of understated

Adjective

• muted
• quiet
• subdued
• restrained
• simple
• conservative
• low-key
• unpretentious

Examples of understated in a Sentence

Adjective

the actor's understated interpretation of the lead role is surprisingly compelling

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Wise's understated approach sometimes has the feel of a stage play. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The hotel is a sleeper hit with the old-school crowd who come for the team’s warmth and understated cleverness. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

That vibe seems echoed in the understated clientele, which during my stay was split between travelers from APAC and Europe. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

The MemoMind One comes in three understated styles that do little to betray its smart nature. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated

Kids Definition

understated

adjective

un·​der·​stat·​ed ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-əd 

: expressed or done in a quiet or simple fashion