The phrase "ham it up" is typically used to describe someone who is overly dramatic or trying too hard to be funny. The opposite of hamming it up would be to act in a more subdued or natural manner. Other antonyms for "ham it up" might include underplaying, toning it down, or being subtle. These words suggest a more restrained approach to a performance, one that relies more on nuance and understated gestures than on grand gestures or over-the-top facial expressions. Whether you're an actor or simply trying to communicate more effectively in your everyday life, it's important to have a full range of tools at your disposal to express yourself in different ways, depending on the situation.