Meaning & use
low-key
Modest, restrained, or subdued in style, manner, or intensity; not showy or dramatic.
See it in a sentence
We kept the wedding low-key, with just close family at a small restaurant.
He gave a low-key performance that let the music speak for itself.
A note on using this word
As one word, low-key is most often an adjective before or after a noun; informally it also works as an adverb meaning 'somewhat' or 'secretly', as in 'I low-key love this song' — this use is slang and best avoided in formal writing.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adverb
Informally, to some extent, or secretly; used to soften or downplay a statement.
I low-key want to leave the party early, but I don't want to be rude.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “low-key”, then compare your use with the examples above.