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 Just over the state line, the neighboring cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, make up a low-key destination boasting the same white sugar-sand beaches and spectacular outdoor space as the Florida panhandle—with significantly fewer crowds. — Molly O'Brien, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026 Swedish entrepreneur Bengt Mortstedt and his family have spent two decades imbuing the Bequia Beach Hotel with low-key luxury. — Sarah Turner, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 After spending much of her low-key childhood in the French village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Charlotte completed a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the Sorbonne, per Vanity Fair. — Staff Author, InStyle, 23 June 2026 Earlier in the episode, AJ and Josh, both of whom hate NYE, agree to combine their low-key plans and spend the evening together eating Chinese food and watching TV. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 23 June 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
  • Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of quiet
Adjective
  • Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of muted
Adjective
  • Despite its subdued colorway, the knee-length dress is covered entirely in beadwork.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Unemployment continued to fall while inflation remained subdued.
    — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdued
Adjective
  • Let the bag take center stage by pairing it with understated separates, or lean into the whimsy with equally feminine details.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting low-slung structure is clad in understated materials, with a sloping bronze-colored roof, stone chimney, expansive glazing, and teak siding.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of understated
Adjective
  • China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • But this Sin City home takes a more restrained approach, pairing clean lines and strong geometric forms with the natural beauty of the Southwest.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrained
Adjective
  • But that bipartisan effort was immediately panned by conservative groups, and little else has emerged as a serious solution.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the Supreme Court's conservative majority said the states had brought their lawsuit too early.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of conservative
Adjective
  • The staff is eager to share their knowledge in a charming, unpretentious way.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The resort has a refreshingly unpretentious vibe, and now oddly-endearing late-80s aesthetic from when it was first designed and built.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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