adj
Uncommon
subdued
suhb-DYOOD
Subdued (adj) means Quieter or more restrained than usual, especially in mood. Example: “The mood at the office was subdued after the layoffs were announced.”
adj
1
Quieter or more restrained than usual, especially in mood.
"The mood at the office was subdued after the layoffs were announced."
2
Soft and muted rather than bright, describing color or light.
"The restaurant had subdued lighting that made it feel intimate."
"The colour scheme used for this room is subdued."
How to use subdued
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishToned down — quieter, dimmer, or calmer than the norm.
Common pairings
subdued lighting
subdued mood
subdued colors
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more subdued
- Superlative
- most subdued
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The mood at the office was _____ after the layoffs were announced.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for subdued
See all rhymes for subdued →Frequently asked questions
What does “subdued” mean?
The word “subdued” means quieter or more restrained than usual, especially in mood. In plain terms, toned down — quieter, dimmer, or calmer than the norm.
How do you pronounce “subdued”?
“Subdued” is pronounced suhb-DYOOD (/səbˈdud/ in IPA).
How do you use “subdued” in a sentence?
Here is “subdued” used in a sentence: “The mood at the office was subdued after the layoffs were announced.”
What part of speech is “subdued”?
“Subdued” is an adjective.
Is “subdued” a common word?
“Subdued” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “subdued” have?
“Subdued” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: quieter or more restrained than usual, especially in mood.
