subdued

adjective

sub·​dued səb-ˈdüd How to pronounce subdued (audio)
-ˈdyüd
: lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength
subdued colors
subduedly
səb-ˈdü(-ə)d-lē How to pronounce subdued (audio)
-ˈdyü(-ə)d-
adverb

Examples of subdued in a Sentence

She spoke in a subdued voice. The color in the lobby is subdued.
Recent Examples on the Web His character starts as a light-hearted goof who sings at the top of his lungs and embraces his lover, Ennis (a subdued Ledger), without fear or self-consciousness. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 Where Americana is defined by plenty of red, white, and blue; country charm; and American flags, dark Americana approaches patriotic decorating in a more subdued, gritty way. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2024 In this thoroughly elegant and subdued film, Mr. Tu’s mention of an enzyme that penetrates a cell — an evident illustration of how Shuo gained access to their home — may seem like the most inelegant note, until late in the story the one using pity to gain sympathy is someone else. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 22 Jan. 2024 The sexes are similar in appearance, with the female (hen) perhaps being a bit more subdued. M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 10 Jan. 2024 Gas prices have been on a downward trend for months due to subdued demand and fuller than usual storage levels across the continent. WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024 But a more subdued showcase at Faena Beach by Sebastian Errazuriz (b. 1977, Santiago, Chile), MAZE: Journey Through the Algorithmic Self, was designed using artificial intelligence (AI) platforms Midjourney and DALLE2. Alexandra Bregman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Alienware ditches most of the company’s signature flamboyant gaming flair for a subdued professional look. Popular Mechanics, 29 Aug. 2023 This limited-edition trim combines the 518-hp engine from the GT3 RS, the more subdued looks of the GT3 Touring, and comes only with a manual transmission. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 2 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subdued.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdued was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near subdued

Cite this Entry

“Subdued.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdued. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

subdued

adjective
: lacking in liveliness, intensity, or strength
subdued colors

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