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Showing results for low-key. Search instead for low-key/1.
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.

Warm and insightful, “Fantasy Life” is a low-key throwback to the talky city-dweller comedies of Nicole Holofcener and Noah Baumbach.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Kendra Sullivan was at her family’s cabin in the Allegheny Highlands region in late October “just planning on having a low-key country weekend.”

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

It was already an intentionally low-key affair: "it is not a fiscal event" her team emphasise – in other words there won't be any tax or spending changes.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

My quarterly money meetings have been far more low-key.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Once a low-key summer resort, Nantucket is rapidly turning into their private preserve, joining the ranks of other enclaves like Palm Beach, Aspen, the Hamptons, and Sun Valley.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.