Low-key — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈlō-ˈkē/

Meaning & Definition of Low-key

Low-key (adjective)

  1. having or producing dark tones only with little contrast
  2. of low intensity, restrained

Low-key (adverb)

  1. in a way or to a degree that is moderate or limited
  2. without seeking or receiving much attention or recognition

Low-key (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not excessively showy

    "hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern"

    similar: conservative, muted, quiet, repressed, restrained, sober, subdued, toned-down, understated, unflashy, unpretentious
    related: appropriate, becoming, fit, fitting, proper, suitable, modest, plain, simple, unadorned, undecorated, inconspicuous, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, graceful, handsome, refined, tasteful, drab, mousy, practical, sensible
    opposite: flamboyant, flaring, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, loud, noisy, ostentatious, razzle-dazzle, splashy, swank
    near: meretricious, graceless, inelegant, tacky, tasteless, tawdry, trashy, vulgar, baroque, fancy, frilly, gilded, ornate, rococo, overdecorated, overdone, overwrought

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Low-key

The most common words with a similar meaning to Low-key:

conservative, muted, quiet, repressed, restrained, sober, subdued, toned-down, understated, unflashy, unpretentious

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Low-key

Words with the opposite meaning of Low-key:

flamboyant, flaring, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, loud, noisy, ostentatious, razzle-dazzle, splashy, swank

Related Words for Low-key

appropriate, becoming, fit, fitting, proper, suitable, modest, plain, simple, unadorned, undecorated, inconspicuous, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, graceful, handsome, refined, tasteful, drab, mousy, practical, sensible

Near Antonyms of Low-key

meretricious, graceless, inelegant, tacky, tasteless, tawdry, trashy, vulgar, baroque, fancy, frilly, gilded, ornate, rococo, overdecorated, overdone, overwrought

Origin & Etymology of Low-key

First known use: 1897

Frequently Asked Questions about Low-key

What does "Low-key" mean?

"Low-key" means having or producing dark tones only with little contrast. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: having or producing dark tones only with little contrast.

What is another word for "Low-key"?

Other words for "Low-key" include conservative, muted, quiet, repressed, restrained, sober, subdued and toned-down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Low-key" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Low-key"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Low-key". Common alternatives include conservative, muted, quiet, repressed, restrained, sober, subdued, toned-down, understated and unflashy.

What is the opposite of "Low-key"?

Antonyms of "Low-key" include flamboyant, flaring, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, loud and noisy. Near antonyms include meretricious, graceless, inelegant and tacky.

How do you use "Low-key" in a sentence?

Examples of "Low-key" in a sentence: "hoping to make a good impression, he deliberately chose a low-key tie with a subtle pattern".

Is "Low-key" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Low-key" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Low-key"?

"Low-key" is pronounced /ˈlō-ˈkē/.

What is the origin of the word "Low-key"?

First known use: 1897.