subdued

1 of 2

adjective

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

subdued

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of subdue

Synonyms of subdued

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Adjective

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Examples of subdued in a Sentence

Adjective She spoke in a subdued voice. The color in the lobby is subdued.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Oddly enough, her two Best Actress plays are both black-and-white, European period pieces, but while Rose is full of gender-bending swagger, Fatherland is a more subdued performance. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Making waves across industries like fashion, beauty, and even interior design, the sensual shade feels more subdued and high-end than alternative reds while being easy to style in the cold-weather months. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 The subdued crowd in Chavez Ravine was often drowned out by the paltry number of Brewers fans in attendance. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Although Hegseth often seems to enjoy the idea that pain is being inflicted in his name, the mood at the Kabul Stadium was more subdued. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subdued

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdued was in 1785

Rhymes for subdued

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Browse Nearby Words

subdue
subdued
subduedly
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Cite this Entry

“Subdued.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdued. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subdued

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