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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chelsea have been through so much change over the last three years that a more subdued window may not be such a bad thing. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025 Apple continues to generate chatter for its landmark 1984 commercial that shows an athlete hurling a sledgehammer at propaganda video, waking citizens from a subdued state. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2025 The tune opens at No. 30, in last place, on Billboard’s ranking of the tracks that reach the largest audience at radio stations that play the more subdued, mature-leaning style of pop, known as Adult Contemporary. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025 Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 indicating small gains—the S & P 500 previously slipped 0.2 percent on Thursday, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses and capping a strong 2024 on a subdued note. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for subdued 

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 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

subdued

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

More from Merriam-Webster on subdued

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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