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.

Chinese liquor giant Kweichow Moutai reported a drop in annual profit and revenue for the first time ever, hurt by subdued consumption in China and as the company prioritized price stability over growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

A subdued economy leads to a subdued, restless, perhaps cantankerous electorate.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Among Roche’s key drugs, Ocrevus for multiple sclerosis and Hemlibra for hemophilia are expected to deliver solid performances, with a more subdued result for its Vabysmo eye medicine in the U.S, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Efficiency gains had offset population growth and industrial demand stayed subdued.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“Get me Ben,” Bull said in a suddenly subdued tone.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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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