subdued

[suhb-dood, -dyood] / səbˈdud, -ˈdyud /

ADJECTIVE

quiet, controlled

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hushed low-key mellow muted restrained sober solemn unobtrusive

STRONG

chastened dejected dim domesticated grave moderated repressed shaded softened tempered

WEAK

crestfallen domestic down in the mouth downcast inobtrusive neutral out of spirits repentant sad serious soft submissive subtle tasteful toned-down

Antonyms

STRONG

cheerful happy

WEAK

aroused boisterous communicative excited roused talkative uncontrolled

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.

Consumer spending has remained subdued in the country, as households still seem more concerned by their high levels of debt, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

At the same time, midtier and lower-end retail tenants experienced more subdued sales.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

It was a subdued celebration scene following the final out in which star pitcher Logan Schmidt made his first ever relief appearance.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Electrification of vehicles and home heating is pushing up total power demand for the first time in decades, and stock valuations remain relatively subdued.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

The men continued talking, but their voices became subdued.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing subdued

"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 6

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Monster

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