low-key

adjective

ˈlō-ˈkē How to pronounce low-key (audio)
variants also low-keyed
Definition of low-keynext
as in quiet
not excessively showy hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Yet as related here in the low-key delivery of someone who not just survived but lived to be 101 years old, Jaku was able to enjoy the love, peace, contentment and security he was denied in his youth. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 When Rodríguez Diez asked to keep his 25th anniversary of being at the company low-key, Andersen threw him a surprise reception, flying in his two children from Spain. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 But a low-key science fiction drama from earlier in his eclectic filmography is arguably Wise's most memorable and influential work. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre. — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for low-key
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low-key
  1. quiet
  2. muted
  3. subdued
  4. understated
  5. restrained
  6. conservative
  7. unpretentious
Adjective
  • With the whizbang action long in the series’ rearview, this quiet road trip proves its emotional centerpiece, as Noah confesses both his true nature and his desire to be better — the conflict of his programming.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As the market tries to keep the momentum going, a quiet calendar of earnings and economic reports awaits in the week ahead.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Instead of the pops of yellow included in the original design, Stone’s NYFF look went with muted grays and beiges.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With the crowd on its feet still hoping for a comeback, pinch-hitter Gavin Sheets struck out to end it and the Brewers had a muted celebration on the field.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • In one voting center in Sao Paulo, the energy was more subdued than four years ago, when Lula beat the senator’s father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • There are plenty of layers and body, but the bangs are slightly more subdued than a traditional shag.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of subdued
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
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • Producers who do choose to use barrels do so to enhance the fruit flavors and not overpower them thus making elegant, restrained whites.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Dark and atmospheric, yet restrained and sophisticated, as Dunn-Edwards describes it, this hue represents a clear shift in design toward depth, personality, and nuanced warmth for both contemporary and traditional styles.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • The agency cited a local news story, whose source for its reporting was an X post from conservative activist and social media influencer Scott Presler.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The task fell to Atomic Canyon, whose CEO Trey Lauderdale previously worked to integrate AI into health care, another conservative industry.
    — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • Despite all that geekery, Varietale feels refreshingly unpretentious at all its locations throughout the city.
    — Nikkita Nair, Saveur, 10 Sep. 2026
  • And a spectacle of unabashed, unpretentious joy sounds pretty good right about now doesn’t it?
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpretentious

Browse Nearby Words

low-grade
low-key
lowland
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Cite this Entry

“Low-key.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low-key. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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