Meaning & use

subdued

adjective·Everyday

Quiet, restrained, or lacking in intensity, energy, or brightness.

See it in a sentence

The room fell subdued after the sudden announcement of the layoffs.

The gallery used subdued lighting to keep attention on the paintings.

A note on using this word

Subdued can describe mood, sound, light, or color, always implying something toned down from its usual intensity.

Words with a similar meaning

mutedrestrainedquiet

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Make it your own

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