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.
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Adjective
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 The shoes served as a warm and subdued complement to the bright color of her dress, and still stood out with a sharp toe and stiletto heel. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 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 An intermediate version had more saturated, vibrant colors, but discussions with the director led to a more subdued final grade, closer to the original photography. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 13 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subdued

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