Subdued (Adjective)

Meaning ¹

Quieted and brought under control; "children were subdued and silent".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The normally rambunctious children were subdued and silent during the funeral service.
• The police were able to subdued the rioters with tear gas and batons.
• After a few hours of crying, the grieving widow's emotions were finally subdued.
• The fire department was able to subdued the blaze before it spread to neighboring buildings.
• The teacher's firm but gentle tone was able to subdued the rowdy classroom.

Related Words

• Subduedness (noun)

Meaning ²

In a softened tone; "hushed voices"; "muted trumpets"; "a subdued whisper"; "a quiet reprimand".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The nurse spoke in a subdued tone to avoid waking the sleeping baby.
• The excited murmur of the crowd was subdued as the announcement was made.
• The once vibrant colors of the painting had been subdued by years of fading light.
• The usually boisterous children were subdued by the librarian's stern glance.
• The news of the disaster was delivered in a subdued whisper to avoid alarming the family.

Synonyms

• Muted
• Hushed
• Quiet

Related Words

• Subduedness (noun)

Meaning ³

Restrained in style or quality; "a little masterpiece of low-keyed eloquence".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The designer's subdued color palette allowed the intricate patterns to take center stage.
• Her subdued tone of voice was a stark contrast to the excitement in her eyes.
• The artist's subdued use of light and shadow created a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
• The company's subdued advertising campaign was a deliberate attempt to avoid controversy.
• The subdued elegance of the hotel lobby was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Synonyms

• Low-key
• Low-keyed

Meaning ⁴

Lacking in light; not bright or harsh; "a dim light beside the bed"; "subdued lights and soft music".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The party was a bit more subdued this year, with soft music and dim lighting setting the tone for a relaxed evening.
• The colors of the painting were subdued, with muted earth tones and soft brushstrokes that evoked a sense of serenity.
• The usually boisterous restaurant was subdued during the funeral dinner, with hushed conversations and muted decorations.
• The bright flowers stood out against the subdued background of the grey stone walls and cloudy sky.
• The soft focus and subdued colors of the photograph gave it a dreamy, ethereal quality.

Synonyms

• Dim

Related Words

• Subduedness (noun)

Meaning ⁵

Not brilliant or glaring; "the moon cast soft shadows"; "soft pastel colors"; "subdued lighting".

Classification

All adjective clusters.

Examples

• The painting featured subdued colors to evoke a sense of melancholy.
• The designer chose subdued fabrics to complement the understated decor of the room.
• The hotel's subdued ambiance was perfect for a relaxing getaway.
• The moon cast a subdued glow over the landscape, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
• The lighting in the museum was subdued to preserve the fragile artworks on display.

Synonyms

• Soft