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Definitions

low-key

[loh-kee] / ˈloʊˈki /
ADJECTIVE
subdued
Synonyms
STRONGEST
easygoing laid-back muted quiet relaxed restrained sober subtle understated
WEAK
loose low-pitched muffled played down soft-sell softened toned-down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitated noisy
WEAK
energized high-key high-strung histrionic nervous pumped-up
NOUN
avoidance of attention
Synonyms
STRONG
anonymity diffidence inconspicuousness invisibility low profile low visibility obscurity reserve reticence semivisibility shyness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Peterson clearly enjoyed the low-key, 99-seat room and the friendship of the owner, Clarence Baker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Hounkpe ran a low-key campaign and needed the help of majority lawmakers to secure the required parliamentary endorsements even to get on the ballot paper.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“I spoke with Bibi and he’s going to low-key it,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

It was a low-key end to a match which contained some excellent, competitive cricket and from which both sides will take plenty of positive.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

“Really, Sandra,” I screeched when I saw what type of party she’d brought us to, “this is not low-key in any way.”

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Vocabulary lists containing low-key

The House Swap

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